Answer:
The readers grow to understand that Balboa wanted to be the greatest. He wanted to be the Lion because the lion is the king of all animals. He wanted to be the greatest of the greatest.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why? Well, Balboa was somehow considered someone who believed in God and when he spoke to him in the beginning, he got a glint of hope that hw would succeed and get whatever he want and become the greatest of all people.