What is the main conflict in The Challenge by Mario Vargas Llosa?

In the story, the Gimp demonstrates his strength, power, and believability by killing the man he challenged, Justo. That the Gimp wants his opponent to surrender rather than be killed has less to do with the theme of power than with the particular character of the Gimp. The sense of disillusionment often portrayed in Vargas Llosa's work is also present in "The Challenge"; when Justo loses the fight, his father is left with the hollow victory of knowing that his son fought bravely.