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."
