The December tournament
The tournament took place the first week of December. Baron de Araújo’s quinta was decorated as if for a party: colorful lanterns, garnished tables, live music. In the center, a wooden ring attracted all eyes.
Eduarda de Araújo, daughter of the baron, observed from the main lodge, dressed in red, her gaze lively and sharp.
When Joaquim arrived with Benedita, the laughter started again. This woman bought for almost nothing was going to face trained men. Nobody took her seriously.
Joaquim, however, paid the registration fees with his last cents.
The first fight pitted Benedita against a butcher from Barra Mansa, a 120 kg man with a thick neck and heavy fists. The crowd was betting on him.
Benedita entered barefoot, dressed in linen pants and a white shirt tied at the waist. No gloves, no protection. Only his body, his technique and the anger of a lifetime.
The butcher attacked. She dodged, turned the body and sent a hook up her ribs. The sound of the bone giving way echoed. The man fell to his knees, unable to breathe.
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