The Champion Mode in Fight Night Champion introduces something new to the Fight Night series, as you follow protagonist Andre Bishop in his search for glory and redemption. This guide (accompanied by two videos) will walk you through the fight with middleweight contender Ricardo Alvarez and your first step towards redemption.

Alvarez, despite being given plenty of credibility and a lofty ranking in the game, is a fairly average fighter. He certainly won’t cause the same problems as Keyshawn Hayes did, your previous opponent. Yet the main problem with this fight is not to do with the fighter opposite you, but outside interference. After the first round of this fight it will be revealed that the judges have been ‘bought’ and your only way to win is by forcing the stoppage.

Now don’t go crazy looking for the stoppage. The fight is scheduled for eight rounds, so there’s plenty of time to do damage. The best thing to do early is to work the body and take Alvarez’ legs from him. Once he slows down, then it will be easier to pick your punches to his head.

Watch the video below to show you how it’s done:

Once this fight is over, the revelation as to why Bishop is in prison is revealed. You’ll be back to the present time, recovering from the brutal beating dished out by the prison thugs at the start of the story. Your first fight back from injury will be another no-rules fight in prison against an inmate.

Use the no-rules to your advantage and land plenty of fouling blows. A good combination is to do a headbutt followed up by a low blow and continue to repeat. However, you can’t floor or stun your opponent from an illegal move, so land a punch when you think he’s ready to go. A fairly easy fight and one that shouldn’t provide any real problems.

Watch the video below to show you how it’s done: