Antonio Cruz
Antonio is seventeen years old and is Felix’s best friend. Like Felix, Antonio is a great boxer who loves to train. He and Felix both have a dream of becoming world-famous boxing champions. Antonio is described as ‘‘fair, lean, and lanky,’’ with hair that falls over his eyes.
He has avoided all the negative influences of his neighborhood, such as gangs and drugs, and is instead focused on boxing. Not only does he train himself as an athlete, but he reads about boxing and boxers, and he really knows the sport. As a boxer, he has proven himself over and over in competition, and he has a fan base in his community. He is known for his excellent boxing skills and ability to use his speed and height in a match.
The most important relationship for Antonio is his friendship with Felix. No other friends or family are mentioned in the story, and he is careful to preserve this important relationship.
Felix helps him stay focused on boxing, which is productive and good for him. When Felix suggests they train separately for the fight, Antonio readily agrees. He understands that Felix is right, although he has a little harder time making the break. When they agree to train apart from each other, Antonio is ready to finish their run together, but Felix says they should go ahead and split apart right then until after the fight.
Also, when they are at the junior high getting ready for the fight, Antonio thinks he sees Felix waving at him, so he waves back.
Whether or not it was wishful thinking, the reader does not know, but Antonio’s reaction shows a deep desire to see his friend again. He wants to train hard, be completely ready, and do the compassionate thing by knocking out Felix right away in the first round.
When they do meet, Antonio fights as hard as Felix does, and they both take and deliver a lot of hard hits. When the match is over and the bell rings for the last time, however, they immediately stop being boxers and leave together as amigo brothers. Antonio’s friendship with Felix is far more important than knowing who won the fight.
Felix Vargas
Felix is seventeen years old, and is Antonio’s best friend. He and Antonio are both boxers who take their sport seriously and love to train to become better. Felix is described as ‘‘dark, short, and husky,’’ with his hair in an Afro. Like Antonio, he dreams of becoming a boxing world champion someday and has chosen boxing over gangs and other negative elements in his community. He studies the sport, reading boxing magazines and knowing all the boxers’ stats. He trains hard as an athlete, and he has a fan base as a result of his many wins in competition. He is known for his powerful hits, so his boxing strategy is to get in close to his opponent and start slugging.
ACTIVITY 2: MAKING ANNOUNCEMENTS
Imagine yourself to be the announcer of the sports day in your school. Write the script of the announcement that you would make for any one event.
“Respected teachers, parents, boys and girls, now is the moment we all have been waiting for- the 400 Metres Relay Race. The four teams are ready at their various spots. Look at their colours-orange, green, yellow and white. The batons are also of the same colour as their dresses. Soon the whistle will go and you will see the fastest runners of the school competing for the prize. Be ready for a breathtaking finish. I can see the referee ready to whistle. Okay… May the best team win!
- Headline: It should catch the attention of the reader and it may even sum up the story.
- Byline: It should include the name and the specialty of the writer. For example: Food, sports, current events, crime, politics, science etc;
- Place Line: It is the name of the place where the story begins.
- Lead Sentence: It is the opening section of the paragraph which gives important information and it should answer most of the 5W's.
1. Who : Describe the people or groups involved.
2. What : Explain the event or incident. Use clear and concise language.
3. Where : Detail the location.
4. When : Specify the date and time.
5. Why : Discuss the reasons behind the event or incident.
6. How : Explain how it occurred.
- Body: Include the most important details first followed by an explanation.
(Write in past tense. Facts and quotations can also be used.)
Activity III (Newspaper report)
Imagine that you are a newspaper reporter and you witness the contest between the amigo brothers and note down the points which you would like to include in your report.
Amigo Brothers' Boxing Match Ends in Emotional Decision
Tompkins Square Park, New York: In a thrilling and emotional boxing match last night, the Amigo Brothers, Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas, captivated a large crowd at Tompkins Square Park. The two friends, who grew up and trained together in the neighborhood, faced off in a bout that promised to be unforgettable.
The outdoor event drew many spectators, all eager to see the result of months of hard training. As the match began, the excitement was high. Both Cruz and Vargas entered the ring with determination and focus, ready to show their skills.
From the start, it was clear that the fighters were evenly matched. In the first round, Cruz landed several strong punches, taking an early lead. However, the second round saw Vargas responding with powerful blows, winning the round and leveling the score.
As the match moved into the third round, the tension increased. The brothers traded punches with equal intensity, making it impossible to predict a winner. Just before the final bell, and to the crowd's surprise, both fighters left the ring together.
After the match, it was revealed that Cruz and Vargas had decided to end the match out of their deep friendship. They realized that the result of the match was less important than their bond as friends.
The unexpected ending left many spectators confused at first, but ultimately touched by the strong display of sportsmanship and loyalty. The event was praised not just for the exciting boxing, but for the powerful message of friendship and unity it showed.
"It was a privilege to see such an intense match, but it was heartwarming to see how it ended," said one spectator. "The Amigo Brothers' decision to value their friendship over the competition was a true testament to their character. It reminded us that some things in life are far more important than winning or losing."
The Amigo Brothers' match has left a lasting impression on all who were there, serving as a powerful reminder that the bonds of friendship and brotherhood are more important than any contest.
