through 75 fights >> representing Russia. >> Russia won victory after victory. >> Russia. Russia. >> Russia.>> But there were other contenders, too. We saw knockdowns and knockouts. There was a little blood, a lot of sweat, but no tears.We saw fighters who flexed and grizzled veterans who tried. We saw nervous newbies and women fighters who pulled no punches. >> IMMEDIATELY, A KNOCKDOWN TO START THE FIGHT BY FRANCE.>> Then it was showtime for chess master William Grafe. Coach Matt Thomas told us chess playe ...

A former Harlem Globe Trotter, Clark traded hoops for the ring 11 years ago. He's got the staredown perfected. His chess a work in progress.We first met God King in Time Square, where he'd taken out a billboard to drum up interest in the sport. Clark told us he had one uncle who was a boxer and another who was a chess master. And the next thing you know, the chess board would roll out and they would be playing chess till 1 and 2:00 in the morning and I was just always around it.And so when I heard of chess ...

We're by far the underdogs. We're coming in with with the red, white, and blue trying to to upset people. You know, no one thinks we're going to do well. No one thinks we're going to win.The Russians are the best >> by a long shot. Yeah. So, >> why makes them so good.>> They have it in over 500 schools and universities where kids are growing up with chess boxing. It is their sport, their focus. ...

Athlete's Background - William Gambit Man Grafe is a New York State chess champion who started playing chess competitively at the age of five [1] - Grafe added 30 lb of muscle to become a chess boxer [1] - Grafe weighs 160 lb [2] - Grafe was ridiculed and ostracized for being a scrawny chess player [2] Chess Boxing - Chess boxing combines chess and boxing [1][2] - There is no prize money in chess boxing [3] - Participants pay their own way to compete in chess boxing [2] Personal Motivation - Grafe sees chess boxing as an opportunity to tell his story and challenge himself [2]

The German comes out fast, jabbing and punching. He batters his Russian rival until a roundhouse sends him down. Fighters from 18 countries are here trying to knock each other's heads off. There's the bell. But wait, now the fighters strip off their gloves and sit down. It's chess time. Competitors have 3 minutes to vanquish their enemy on the board. If they don't, it's back to the slugfest for three more minutes. It's gloves on, gloves off until checkmate, knockout, or judge's decision. This is chess boxin ...

Sport Overview - Chess boxing combines alternate rounds of chess and boxing, with victory achieved by knockout or checkmate [1][3] - The sport originated from a French graphic novel and became a real-life match in 2003 in Berlin [7] - Russia has been a dominant force in chess boxing, with the sport integrated into over 500 schools and universities [2][11] Team USA - Team USA, considered the underdogs, competed in the World Chess Boxing Championships in Serbia [2][5][10] - Matt Thomas coaches Team USA, comprising 15 contenders from diverse backgrounds, and aims to upset established teams like Russia [5][10] - Despite being underdogs, Team USA secured nine medals, finishing second overall [27] Key Individuals - William "Gambit Man" Grafe, a New York State chess champion, added 30 lb of muscle to compete in chess boxing [7][8] - Wayne "God King" Clark, a former Harlem Globetrotter, transitioned to chess boxing, driven by his family's connection to both chess and boxing [11][12] - James Kanty III from Michigan, a professional chess player with two years of boxing experience, won the super heavyweight chess boxing championship [24][25] Strategic Elements - The transition between boxing and chess rounds is crucial, requiring fighters to control their breathing and manage adrenaline [21] - Team USA focuses on mastering the minute in between rounds as a competitive advantage [21][22] - Mental fortitude and the ability to adapt one's strategy after being hit are essential for success in chess boxing [20][25]