Alfred prepares for his last fight, at Parkway Gardens in Brooklyn, as he did the others, but he is noticeably more nervous. The fight will be the climax of Alfred’s climb, just as, structurally, it is the climax of the novel. All other activity has led to this crescendo.
As they wait at Spoon’s apartment, Henry tries to calm Alfred and reflects on his own budding career as a trainer. Alfred is especially important to the neophyte assistant manager because he was the first fighter entrusted to Henry by Mr. Donatelli. Henry reveals that it was he who bought the white terry-cloth robe for Alfred prior to the first fight. He feels that he has found his role in managing; he doesn’t limp as much now that he has more important things to think about. After Alfred retires from the ring, Donatelli will allow Henry to train some of the newcomers.
Spoon arrives and tells of an altercation at school with a boy named Herbert Davis who pulled a knife on him. He spent the afternoon counseling Davis, suggesting that he go to the gym to try boxing. Foreshadowing the novel’s ending, Spoon tells Alfred that he has spoken with a doctor at a narcotics clinic about James; but Alfred says that he has not been able to find his old friend in the neighborhood.
In the dressing room before the bout, an official informs Donatelli that the only available opponent for Alfred is Elston Hubbard, the older, bigger ex-Marine who was so impressive opening the card the night of Alfred’s first fight. Donatelli wants to cancel the match, concerned that Alfred will be hurt. Alfred reminds the manager that Donatelli once told him that the only sure way to judge a fighter is to see him when he is hurt. Alfred feels that he must fight Hubbard.
Hubbard is overwhelming. Alfred is on the canvas within seconds of the sound of the opening bell. He is down again before the first round ends. His performance improves some in the second round; he manages to jab and move, to fight back, and he is only decked once. During the break between the second and third rounds, the referee asks Donatelli if he wants the fight to continue. Henry asserts himself and insists that Alfred must have his chance. Donatelli says, “Let him fight.”
Round three is a war. Alfred takes tremendous punishment but stays on his feet, standing toe-to-toe with Hubbard and fighting as well and as hard as he possibly can. Neither man hears the final bell; they have to be pulled apart.
In a unanimous decision, the judges correctly declare Elston Hubbard the winner of Alfred’s last boxing match, but Donatelli knows that Alfred has won the most important fight. Back in the locker room, he is smiling when he says, “Now you know, Alfred. Now you know, too.”
