Kill a Man

Orlando, Steve. Kill a Man. 2020. 128p. ISBN 9781949028478. 

When James watches his father, kickboxer DJ Bellyi die during a fight with Xavier Mayne in the ring, his whole world crumbles. This is made worse when it is revealed that DJ Bellyi had thrown gay slurs against Xavier Mayne during the fight. Xavier never fought again. 

Years later, James Bellyi has joined the ranks of the MMA, becoming a star and on track to earn top endorsements. However, during a press conference his next opponent reveals that James is gay, and, taken by surprise, James is unable to defend himself. Suddenly, everything that he has built collapses, as no one in the MMA wants to fight a gay guy. James finds himself cast out and abandoned by his friends, his trainer, and his fans. 

Hoping to return to the MMA and earn a title fight, James turns to the only person who could understand his situation. Xavier Mayne continued to train young fighter, but avoided the limelight. Can James reconciles with the man who killed his father so that he can reach the top? Can Xavier forgive the man he killed in the ring long enough to help his son?