Last Round

Ethan Mercer hasn’t fought in years.

He runs a gym, works steady hours, and believes in discipline above all else. He teaches fighters how to last—how to protect themselves, how to avoid unnecessary damage, how to walk away when the risk outweighs the reward.

Then Caleb shows up.

Raw, aggressive, and hungry, Caleb wants more than survival. Under Ethan’s guidance, he sharpens quickly—his footwork improves, his defense tightens, his control grows. On paper, everything is working.

But when real openings appear, Caleb hesitates.

As Ethan watches the kid adopt his own philosophy of restraint, the past resurfaces: an unresolved final fight, a decision to stop that once felt responsible—and now feels incomplete. When a local bout forces both mentor and student to confront what it means to quit versus choosing, Ethan must decide whether he’s teaching wisdom—or fear.

Last Round is a grounded, emotionally restrained sports novella about masculinity, mentorship, and the moments that define us not by what we avoid, but by what we choose to face.

Perfect for listeners who appreciate reflective sports fiction, quiet tension, and character-driven storytelling.

©2025 Ellis Carron (P)2026 Ellis Carron