Words

"Ringside"

I took a deep breath and opened the door. The smell hit me like a book in the face- sweat, equipment, and testosterone. Mainly sweat. The intimidating rap music playing was slightly dulled out by the methodical pounding of fists against bags. The walls were plastered with a century’s worth of posters, articles, and photographs, many yellowed by the passing of time. Raised up above the concrete floor was the centerpiece of the gym: the ring. It had an almost heavenly aura, glowing from the impact of the harsh ceiling lights.