Within moments, both WBO staff members return to the front of the room, each carrying a stack of sealed envelopes collected from the participating camps. They place them neatly on the long table atop the podium before stepping aside.
A low murmur drifts through the conference room as the officials quickly arrange the envelopes into a single pile.
Without unnecessary ceremony, the chairman reaches for the first envelope. He breaks the seal, unfolds the document inside, and scans it for a brief moment before looking up.
"Blackstone Boxing Promotions. The submitted bid is US$8,500,000."
At Ryoma's table, Kurogane and Sera instinctively exchange glances. Even the opening bid has already exceeded what most title fights would ever command.
Sergei lets out a quiet whistle beneath his breath. "That's a strong opening. Let's just hope the market doesn't climb past US$10 million."
