Untitled story (I had just hung by sparring partner, Battling O’Toole . . .)

Introduction

UNTITLED STORY (I had just hung by sparring partner, Battling O’Toole . . .). 700 word fragment.

Appeared as THREE PERILS OF SAILOR COSTIGAN which consists of this story and two others:
UNTITLED STORY (“It was the end …”) and UNTITLED STORY (“The night Sailor Steve …”).

Summary

In this untitled and unfinished story fragment, the narrator, Iron Mike Costigan, a professional boxer, is in the midst of a training session when he catches the attention of Marilyn Taverel, a high society lady with golden hair and violet eyes. Marilyn, clearly out of her element in the gritty surroundings of a boxing gym, expresses her admiration for Mike’s physique and mentions having been thrilled by his match with the champion.

As Mike and Marilyn exchange introductions, we are also introduced to Tommy Densington, a frail-looking man accompanying Marilyn, who appears almost as an afterthought to her. Mike is visibly flattered by Marilyn’s interest, a sentiment interrupted by Battling O’Toole, Mike’s sparring partner, who attempts to continue their bout despite being dazed from a previous punch.

The encounter is further complicated by the arrival of Shifty O’Leary, Mike’s manager, whose sinister presence and insistence on Mike returning to his training routine suggest a controlling and potentially exploitative relationship between the manager and his boxer. Shifty’s dismissive attitude towards the excitement Marilyn expresses about the boxing match hints at a tension between the world of sport and the high society Marilyn represents.

The fragment ends with Mike threatening Shifty in defense of his momentary escape from the rigors of training into a brief interaction with Marilyn, highlighting the boxer’s struggle between his professional obligations and the allure of a different life represented by Marilyn’s admiration.

Characters

  • Iron Mike Costigan: The protagonist, a professional boxer training for his fights, unexpectedly admired by Marilyn.
  • Marilyn Taverel: A high-society lady, fascinated by the world of boxing and particularly by Mike, whom she praises for his performance and physique.
  • Tommy Densington: A frail-looking man accompanying Marilyn, introduced to Mike but not given much attention.
  • Battling O’Toole: Mike’s sparring partner, who despite being dazed from a punch, inadvertently interrupts Mike and Marilyn’s conversation.
  • Shifty O’Leary: Mike’s manager, who seems more concerned with Mike’s training than his well-being, urging him to focus on his training rather than interacting with Marilyn.

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