Sufficient hype had been generated in preparation for the final bout on the Race Street pier. This was wholly unintentional however. Jack's vision was that these test fights would take place on a spur of the moment type arrangement, with whoever was passing at the time qualifying as a spectator. The pair of fighters stepping into the ring this time around had prompted enough interest though, given that there was more than just two neutral fighters in this clash.

This was only noise to Jack though, he had a job to do and the pair of his most dependable men had stepped up to support. So long as the event remained emotion free and was entertaining, he had no interest in the back story involved.

The low chatter of the crowd drifted on the evening air across the pier. Hidden from view by other attractions, the ring was thrown together and intended to be temporary. The real action would take place under much more controlled conditions, within the walls of Purgatory Gym itself. A few athletics mats served as the canvas and the frame had been borrowed from the spare equipment due to be moved into the gym itself. 

The two fighters approached their corners, preparing to enter. Jack stepped before the crowd.

"Over the last few weeks, ladies and gentlemen, you have attended to witness these fights for the purpose of preparing for the launch of Purgatory. Now, as we approach the opening fight of the gym, we need to close off our test area with a final showdown between two giants of Philadelphia's old town."

The men stand at opposite corners. Jack checks them both, before looking out into the crowd once more.

"So without further delay, I introduce to you a pair of men I am lucky to have at my side in this life. In no particular order, in the Orange Trunks, hailing from Newfoundland, Canada, Gavin Byrne!

"And representing Purgatory Gym itself, appearing in his second amateur fight, from right here in Philly, Mr. William Bowden!"

Jack turns and observes as the men enter the ring.

Gavin hopped into the ring first. He was leaner than the last time Will had seen him, with a light brown tan covering his wiry muscles. The scars he'd been collecting since he was five years old crisscrossed his chest, back, and upper arms. The bullet he'd caught in Detroit had necessitated a surgeon slicing his chest open over his left lung, and that scar stood starkly white against his tanned skin. There was no bruising, however, and he seemed as fit as ever as he hopped into the ring. He'd have to be; his previous fight with Will had been the toughest in his life, and Gavin had only won by the narrowest of margins.

His eyes moved over the crowd, resting on Tara, Jack, and finally Bella before he turned to face his opponent, who'd just entered.

Gavin's wry grin flashed in Will's direction as he nodded at the bigger man. He kept his voice low, so as not to be overheard.

"We have some catching up to do, Will. Might as well get this out of the way first, eh?"

Isabella Luciano arrived on time, not a moment early or late.  Her clothing, hair, and make-up was done to perfection representing hours of work and fuss.  The dress had been the second choice in Jamaica, but here it was perfection personified.  Her scarlet letter boldly worn, nothing modest or matronly would do tonight, she was walking into the arena alone - the lions hungry for her.  Jack had been too kind in not using their love-triangle to drum up interest in the fight that could potentially bring him so much money, but there wasn't a soul who hadn't heard rumors by now.  Though most would not realize she'd already made a choice, she'd crushed William's heart and now she was here to watch Gavin try to crush his face.

It was fair to say Isabella did not like this fight, not one single bit and all the money in the world would not make her excited to watch two men she care about deeply (men who had nearly died for her several times over) try to hurt each other for glory's own sake.

She was angry with William for agreeing to this because he had to know that Gavin, while healed, wasn't what he was when they'd met before.  No one came as close to death as Gavin had without some of the wind being sucked out of his sails for good.  She suspected for William this was about revenge.  This was about winning back a bit of his own pride and while she understood it, she resented that he felt it necessary.  Hadn't Gavin gone through enough?

And she was angry with Gavin.  That he would agree to indulge William in this way was unthinkable!  What if he won?  What would that do to William?  Not enough that he walked away with her heart was it also necessary to publically humiliate him as well?  Must he destroy everything William held dear?  His fighting prowess was a point of pride for dear William and if Gavin broke him in the ring - what would it do to the newly minted Don?

Her stomach was in knots.  This whole affair was a terrible, terrible, mess.  She was responsible for it... and so, she wore her 'A' and strode into the room with her chin held high and a disinterested look cemented on her face.  She tried to act as if she had no horse in this race... but both horses were hers and tonight she would certainly lose no matter the outcome.  And worst of all, she had to do it as the guest of Jack Mezzo explaining to him the circumstances of the situation at some point in the very near future - perhaps tonight as both men warred in front of her.

Flanked by her bodyguards, Raeni (or Patches as she was affectionately called) and Linval, Isabella entered the room and made her way to her seat carrying a gift box and a bottle of Sicilian wine.

William took his time getting into the ring. At one time, he would have been eager to launch into Gavin and would have resented any wait before going for it, but now he wasn't so sure. After all the man had done in Detroit, and all that he meant to Isabella he couldn't bring himself to want to really hurt the man. Still, Jack had needed something big to make a splash and this was as big a fight as could be done to build support and anticipation for Purgatory.

The first thing Will saw was the damned grin. The same one that had haunted his thoughts since their last meeting like this. Today it didn't sting like normal, but it did leave a hollow ring in the pit of his gut. Second he noticed Gavin's scar. His rival had healed well, though it was still fresh enough that there was no way he'd be at fully strength. Having spent his week hopping between the gym and the restaurant while dealing with his crew, William felt his body toned as ever, with the exception of a small line where his side had been stitched together following the same firefight that had nearly claimed Gavin. His scar had lost most of its potency and left him little worse for wear though.

"Yeah we do. Might as well make a good show first. It's good to see you made it back. Both of you."

A quick glance to the side of the ring confirmed what he was dreading. Isabella was here. He forced a smile onto his face for a moment before turning back to Gavin and taking a deep breath. This was going to be tough for so many reasons.

doogle was wearing way too much cologne on this night. Excitement was in the air and he got a little carried away when getting ready to spectate the fight. His hair slicked back, cigar already lit, he began to make his way to his chair. He was provided a modest seat; the better views were reserved for several of the big names from the crime world. Still, he would be able see the ring with no obstructions. This was important to him, as the two fighters were from Philadelphia itself. 

He greeted several other associates as he shimmied through the crowd. He made eye contact with associates from across all cities, exchanging polite nods towards each of them and shaking the hands of who was within reach. Being a people's man was just one part of the business. He didn't mind though, it was good to have friends.

Finally arriving at his seat, he took in a deep breath and exhaled with a smile.

"At last" he exclaimed. "Who else is ready for the show!"

Spaceman adjusted his watch, glancing at the time as he made his way inside the temporary makeshift arena, his hand clutching a leather medical bag filled to the brim with first aid kit supplies.   Adjusting his bowtie and straightening his tuxedo jacket, he nodded at Isabella, catching the eye of JackMezzo as he made his way towards the ring.  Exchanging a brief wink, Spaceman hoisted the bag up on the ring as he made his way to the ring, unzipping it as he set it on the surface.

"Good evening, Mister Bowden, Mister Byrne."

Spaceman slowly climbed his way into the ring as he noticed the thousand yard stares on each fighter's face. He signaled both of them to come forward, as he slid the medical bag over to him with his foot.

Spaceman lowered himself to the bag, his hand clutching a small glass bottle labeled epinephrine as his other hand reached in, removing two small syringes from the side pocket, drawing liquid into the needles from the bottle. He slipped the bottle back in discreetly, masking the label as he continued talking.

"Gentlemen.  When I heard about these fights, my initial concern was that our well-placed human investments in Philadelphia could potentially be beaten to a pulp and rendered useless.  Given that this is the final event before these matches are professionally organized, I thought it was high time to do my part in protecting my investments from random acts of.. well, this."

Spaceman gestured to the ring as he zipped his bag and stood back up with full syringes in hand, handing one each to Gavin and William.

"Doctor's orders.  These are simply an anti-inflammatory that will help with tomorrow's pain and will get you back on the horse a little sooner than without the shot."

Spaceman breathed a deep, content sigh as he took in the sight of the two.

"Take your shots, and best of luck, boys."

With that, Spaceman smiled and picked up his bag slipped out of the ring, making his way towards the seating.

Having received a personal invitation from the Don of Philly, JackMezzo, Tyki Mikk arrived with Trixxy alongside him, both keen to watch the events of the night. He had made sure that he was in his finest 3 piece suit, Trixxy dressed immaculately and looking absolutely stunning as the usher showed them to their seats near the front. The venue was already packed out, many men seen with their alcoholic beverages raving for the fights to begin and the fists, plus blood no doubt, to start flying.

Being involved in the preliminary tests down on the Docks of Old City District, battling it out with their representative in Adonis, the wounds now finally healed, made this night a little extra special for him. A rematch was promised for a later date, both men having agreed to it after the close initial conflight which saw Tyki come out as the victor, just barely.

There had clearly been no expenses spared for tonights evening of action. The large room was illuminated through out, drinks flowing for all to consume whilst there also being a certain swag about the crowd which saw many big name mafia members in attendance from all across the seven Cities.

This was certainly a night he was happy to have made space in his schedule for and from the outlook, it certainly wouldn't disappoint.

Jack watched as the crowd gathered, pausing for a brief moment before turning to face the fighters in the ring. 

"This is it, gents..."

He turns back to the crowd, a loud holler following.

"Round One! Fight!"

The bell rang, the fighters touched gloves and split, each assuming a prepared stance. 

For some time, there was little action. Whether it was over cautiousness or steadying their confidence, the delay was heightening anticipation among the spectators. There was unflappable focus in the eyes of William, and a cunning curl at the corner of Gavin's mouth. It seemed that either could wait for the other for the entire round, however Gavin soon revealed himself to have the greater patience of the pair as William took an unexpected step into his opponent. 

Gavin raised his guard in response, the man in Orange finding security in his arms as the larger man swung. His fist collided like a hammer, Byrne found his head bouncing against his own gloves, forcing him to reaffirm his block. Bowden continued to press on, trying to provoke a response from Byrne. He approach steadily increased in aggression, opening up opportunities for Gavin where he exposed himself for a little too long.

The Purgatory front man was not that sloppy though, and where Gavin probed the larger mans defense with jabs, he found a defiant and unshakable wall of forearms and gloves. 

It was during one of these attempts that Bowden moved faster than expected, as Gavin prepared a right, William countered with a left. He followed it through with a right, which this time was not blocked. Byrne staggered backward as the swing connected with side of his head, using the ropes to steady himself then raised a hopeful guard to prevent further damage as Bowden laid in. 

As the bell rang, both fighters returned to their corners. William had taken an initial advantage, where as Gavin made little attempt to exert himself.

Gavin stretched as he walked back to his corner. He'd taken a couple shots, but was mostly feeling out how William would take it. He was usually a calm, patient guy- but Gavin wouldn't be shocked if Will gave into his emotion sat some point. Popping up to his feet, still full of energy, Gavin winked toward the crowd and prepared for Round 2.

Will had been surprised at how relaxed Gavin had been in the first round. This wasn't the same man who was bounding around like an acrobat the last time they fought. Still, that grin said more was happening than met the eye. He'd have to be watchful to make sure he didn't fall into whatever trap Gavin was setting.

Mezzo mused over both fighters' conditions. He understood there was a background, however both men had been professional enough not to bring personal drama to his door. 

He checked the clock over the shipyard before motioning both fighters to their feet once more.

"No rest for the wicked, boys. Round Two!"

The bell rang on Jacks call, both men strode into the center of the ring with vigor. William was conserved enough not to let his previous advantage go to his head, though met Gavin with an equally fiery exchange. The two hit hard and fast. William relied on probing jabs and avoidance maneuvers on the initial clash, however found himself falling on his back foot to defend an aggressive front put on by Gavin.

As the round wore on, William pushed for an advantage. He throws his trademark heavy hits, initially finding Gavin's body, though the Race Street veteran quickly covers up. In a heartbeat, Byrne slips out of Williams reach and advances from the side. Bowden doesn't delay in adjusting his stance, but the speed at which he moved could not prepare him for the relenting assault that followed. 

Gavin throws punches with precision and force. They stop breaking on the gloves of William and begin hitting their mark, forcing the Purgatory man backward and seeking his balance on the ropes. He attempts to duck between the blows, eventually finding his way back off the ropes and offers a counter attack, though this fails against the swiftly adjusted stance by Gavin. 

Bowden attempts to bring it back, but the bell foils him. They return to their corners. Both fighters brought a balanced attempt, but Gavin brought significantly more.

Gavin had taken it slow in the first round, wondering whether Will would play his normal defensive game or let his emotions get to him and try to promptly crush Gavin like a bug. But in the second round, now warmed up, Gavin threw himself into the bout with an intensity that William would have recalled from their earlier match. He hit hard, and he still possessed the speed and dexterity that had given him the slimmest of advantages in the past.

As the second round ended, he again found himself glancing toward the crowd. Seemed like they were putting on a good show, at least.

There's the Gavin he remembered. Slippery movements that were almost impossible to keep up with. He'd really have to start taking the fight more seriously if he didn't want to be pushed around. Still, it would do no good to lose his head now. Gavin would surely start to wear himself out if he kept fighting as he did this round.

The bell was soon upon them once more and the third round began. The pair were to their feet quick, but it was Gavin that met William first. William made a probing initial shot, followed through with a powerful swing which Gavin rolled with, negating the damage. Bowden soon found himself back behind his guard as the smaller man peppered him with punches. Judging the pace of his opponent, William would swing when he found an opening, though it found no purchase.

Despite the attack from Gavin, the pair remained center stage. Bowden made attempts to weave between the hits and patiently wait out his opportunity, however it failed to appear.

The crowd erupted as the pair suddenly began trading blows. The round edged towards a close, and both fighters could feel it. They struck with equal force, each finding body shots where possible to weaken the others resolve. It was Gavin that took the advantage though. Though each were putting on a similarly powerful attack, Gavin ensured his defense was as prepared. As William made another attempt for the body, he found his head judder from a swooping uppercut. He staggered back and Gavin moved in, however the bell demanded the round was brought a close.

Both fighters began to show signs of fatigue as they returned to their corners, however Gavin's advantage over the last two rounds had come at a greater cost.

Gavin swaggered back to his corner. He'd taken a couple hits, but he felt like he was in command of the fight. William was still the most talented hand to hand fighter he'd ever come across... but Gavin had been fighting against bigger, stronger opponents since he'd been five years old. He looked at Will across the ring; there was so much that Gavin still had to say to him... but that would have to wait. 

Instead, he grinned as he stood.

"Ready for the real fight, Will?"

Alright, now the grin was starting to bother him again. The fact that he was still one step ahead, even with his injury was infuriating. One would have thought he'd lose a step, but if the last two rounds were anything to go by he might have actually sped up.

"Don't get too cocky Gavin. We ain't done here yet."

Gavin just winked back at William, but the bigger man was right. In their first fight, William had essentially crushed Gavin early; even Gavin had to admit that his comeback win was highly improbable there. 

And done they were not.

As the bell rang, Jack barely announced the fourth round before William was across the canvas and throwing punches. Gavin began to swagger and showboat, moving swiftly from side to side. Billy Bowden was going hell for leather, and with fearful force, though Gavin retained his cocky grin throughout the majority of the beginning of the round. He swerved form side to side, while Bowden attempted to track his movements from the center of the ring.

William presented almost no defense in his pursuit. It didn't appear to matter, as Gavin wasn't presenting any real attack. Or defense, for that matter, as his hands swung at his sides. Be it persistence or experience from the previous fight, William would probably work it out later, he soon found his mark and heard the sound from Gavin's rattling skull as he finally outwitted him. Byrne stumbled as he took a powerful right to the face. A limp guard followed, however it was broken with a left. A weave was attempted, but it was thwarted. Bowden landed hit after hit. Frustration likely fueled his swings, as Gavin essentially walked into the round with just his swagger to back him up. 

Byrne survived until the bell, William paced back to his corner. Both men showed equal signs of exhaustion at this point.

Jack watching on before looking to the crowd. 

"Ladies and gents, we are about to enter the fifth round. I think it's safe to say that both fighters have put on an exceptional performance at this point. Thank you for staying with us this far!"

Gavin blinked. Yep. That was the William he remembered. 

Now it was time to finish this.

When he stood up, his grin had vanished.

It felt good to get hands on Gavin but it all came down to this now. He couldn't let him slip away again.

Round five would decide it all, and he was going to go down swinging either way.