The events in this thread occurs on September 19th, 2019. No mentions of what occurs at this event should be mentioned directly through social media before the press conference is revealed to the public.
When the bright flashes and audio camera clicks sets the scene, GCC President Fazan Khan ushered out by two man security team is escorted to his table. He is joined by both Awut Somaskul and Rob Jones who arrived to the press conference a few minutes early. Other fighters are shuffling in but Fazan Khan seems a little more eager to start the proceedings then he normally is... perhaps he has a hot date?
Fazan Khan: Thank you all for attending tonight press conference here in Singapore! It is a great pleasure to usher in a new era of heavyweights under the GCC umbrella. Heavyweights have been the staple of professional fighting competitions as they best embody size, strength and sheer power. From Muhammed Ali to Mike Tyson, these larger than life personalities have inspired the entire world from sporting fans to historians alike.
''Mr Khan!'' A media media called out. ''Let's talk heavyweights. How important was it to sign former Union GP heavyweight champion Brock Quarry for the GCC brand?''
Fazan Khan: Our signing of Brock Quarry was very important, I hate to add any extra pressure onto his shoulders but if there's anyone who can handle it, it's probably that guy. He is a great fighter known for overcoming adversity and the odds and he has the heart of a lion. That said, there are seven other world class tier competitors in this bracket in what promises to be the most competitive tournament we've seen in GCC thus far.
''Mr. Khan!'' Another media member cries out. ''Why has GCC moved away from the one night tournament and can we expect to see it return sometime in the near future?''
Fazan Khan: We felt that the One Night Tournament was a fun and interesting experiment but determined that it caused unnecessary wear and tear on our competitors. Due to the damage any particular fighter may have or had not experienced in a previous fight it undermined the final outcome. In any sporting competition, we want to know who is the absolute best without any lingering questions and the one night tournament just isn't what we are looking for to achieve this goal.
Other members of the press shout out questions but Fazan Khan adjusts the cuff to his neatly pressed suite and leans into the microphone.
Fazan Khan: Ladies and gentlemen in our headlining fight, we have Awut Somaskul going head to head with Rob Jones. Now let it be known, Rob Jones is the reason this fight is happening. He approached GCC management with the match request so we pitched it to Awut who accepted the fight with no hesitation. Like him or hate him, Rob Jones knows how to sell a fight, trains hard and is hungry to fight for GCC and earn himself a title shot. He isn't passive or scared to step on a few toes to make his own opportunities and I appreciate that and I hope to see more of it.
Rob Jones smiles and pats Fazan Khan on his shoulder while Awut Somaskul stares emotionless into the crowd. Mr. Khan scans the field for media inquiries and points at one.
''Thank you, Mr. Khan.'' A timid female journalist began. ''Do you think the winner of Awut and Rob is going to be next in line for a title shot after the conclusion of Redfield-Rogers?''
Fazan Khan: The main-event will not necessarily determine the number one contender. Cayden Redfield will defend his title against Jake Rogers in October for the GCC lightweight championship and once the dust settles, I'll have a better idea on what's next but this is a very important fight for both men in such a new company and division. One big win can see to it that you are in a title discussion. Granted, it won't be like this for long but for now... the field is virtually wide open for everyone.
Go out and get it my friends.
Mr. Khan bows his head respectfully and turns the microphone aside allowing the larger than life fighters to say their piece.
Silence engulfs the room after Rob lays down his mic. The T.W COMBAT reps quickly exchange words whilst leaning behind Robby Nitro.
Somebody in the crowd can be heard clearing their throat.
Q: This next question is for Tommy Ward. I noticed you and Rob just exchanged some words. Would you care to enlighten us?
A: It was a personal conversation. There's nothing I can enlighten you on.
I will let you know how beautiful Singapore is, how great the locals have been to us, and how excited we are to be here.
Q: Tommy you've had a successful boxing and MMA career. You're 2-0 against stiff competition within prior organizations How confident are you that you will win the heavyweight tournament and the championship?
A: There's a lot of talent in this tournament so I don't want to look past my opening fight against JaySon Francis. He is an amazing kickboxer, but I am a great boxer. I am certain the fight will turn out some great highlights.
Q: Tommy whilst you are known as a great boxer, it's your jiu jitsu that is world class. How likely is it we will see a stand-up battle?
Tommy looks at the reporter with a bemused expression on his face.
Q: Tune in Saturday night to find out.
Several reporters start to speak up at once. Tommy looks around the room at the chaos he's caused before he and Rob abruptly get up and leave the press conference.