The Voice of Doom

Introduction

“The Voice of Doom” is a poignant narrative that delves into the psychological impact of a traumatic event on Kid Allison, a promising middleweight boxer, leading to his abrupt retirement from the ring. This story explores themes of guilt, the supernatural, and the relentless pressure athletes face, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century boxing.

The story was never sold.

This story, beyond its supernatural and psychological layers, critiques the brutal reality of boxing, where physical prowess can be overshadowed by the mental and emotional burdens carried by the fighters. Kid Allison’s tale is a somber reflection on the costs of ambition and the heavy toll that guilt and unresolved trauma can exact on one’s life and career.

Summary

Kid Allison, a rising star in the boxing world, embarks on a European tour to build his reputation. Despite dominating his opponents, a fateful match against Gunner Hanson in London marks the beginning of his downfall. Allison, in a brutal and bloody fight, unintentionally kills Hanson, leading to profound guilt and a haunting that overshadows his career.

Haunted by Hanson’s death, Allison’s next fight against Young Slade becomes a psychological battleground. As Allison gains the upper hand, he is suddenly overwhelmed by the eerie and ghostly voice of Hanson, vowing to defeat him from beyond the grave. This supernatural occurrence distracts Allison, allowing Slade to knock him out. This incident profoundly affects Allison, driving him to retire from boxing, haunted by the voice and his conscience.

Characters

  • Kid Allison: The protagonist, a middleweight boxer whose promising career is cut short by a haunting event that leads to his early retirement. Allison represents the physical and mental toll sports can take on athletes, especially when compounded by tragic incidents.
  • Gunner Hanson: A British boxer who dies after a match with Allison. Hanson’s posthumous presence and his vow for victory become the haunting specter that drives Allison to retirement, symbolizing the indelible impact of guilt and trauma.
  • Young Slade: An Irish middleweight boxer who defeats Allison. Slade’s victory is less about his skill and more about the psychological collapse of Allison, triggered by the spectral voice of Hanson. Slade inadvertently becomes the catalyst for Allison’s retirement.
  • Allison’s Manager: Though not directly involved in the narrative, the manager’s decision to build Allison’s career through a European tour indirectly leads to the tragic and haunting events. He symbolizes the unseen pressures and decisions that shape an athlete’s career.

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