champions

challenger champ defender hero medalist number one winner

advocate ally backer conqueror endorser exponent expounder guardian heroine nonpareil paladin partisan patron proponent protector supporter sympathizer upholder vanquisher victor vindicator warrior

numero uno the greatest titleholder top dog

antagonist enemy loser opponent opposition

defend espouse fight for promote uphold

back battle contend patronize support

go to bat for plead for put in a good word for ride shotgun for side with stand behind stand up for thump for

forsake

oppose

be against