10 Months in the Making Arc

10 Months in the Making Arc
Information
Volumes	118-121, (4 Volumes)
Manga Rounds	1174-1209, (36 Chapters)
Chronology
Previous	Seeking Heights Arc
Next	Second Step Arc (Bold Retirement Saga)

The 10 Months in the Making Arc is the forty-sixth story arc in the series and the last in the World Contender Saga, as well as the last in the second part of the story.

Ippo's next opponent for his comeback match is Antonio Guevara, a southpaw boxer and the new Filipino featherweight champion, whom he battles with the goal of showing Kamogawa his New Dempsey Roll in mind. After that match, Takamura defends his WBA and WBC titles against Keith Lycaon.

Summary

Antonio Guevara - The Southpaw Filipino Featherweight Champion

Itagaki explaining how to beat southpaws to Ippo.

At the Kamogawa gym, Ippo watches a recording of his come-back match opponent, the new Filipino featherweight champion Antonio Guevara fighting Malcolm Gedo with Kamogawa and Yagi. Yagi notes after Gedo's down in the first round, he tries his best to regroup, however, he lost his rhythm and the momentum was turned against him, making Gedo lost by a decision. Yagi points out that Gedo is an expert with his left, but he was unable to put it to use against Antonio's southpaw style. Kamogawa believes it wasn't just a bad match up, as Antonio is young, but his skills are refined. Later, while doing roadwork with Itagaki, Ippo tells him about how he is going up against a southpaw in his come-back match, but he has never fought a southpaw in a match, only sparring against one named Akira Shigeta before, but he got beaten. Itagaki claims he fought a few southpaws as an amateur boxer, leading Ippo to ask him for advice. Itagaki explains that the biggest difference in facing a southpaw as an orthodox boxer is that while fighting an orthodox boxer, their left arms and feet are in front of them, but the southpaw boxer has their right arms and right feet in front, causing the orthodox boxer to notice their arm and leg is in the way. As Itagaki explains how southpaw lefts can make it hard to see coming, Ippo thinks southpaws are invincible. Itagaki claims a way to beat southpaws is with his right, since the orthodox boxer also has the same benefits since it is a mirrored position, so both the southpaw and orthodox boxers have to avoid their best punches. Itagaki adds that Ippo should keep moving left while having his pivot foot on the outside to create the perfect position for a right straight. He further adds that since southpaws do the same, but in the opposite way, both boxers get their legs tied while fighting, making boxing against southpaws about getting in the right position. Itagaki tells Ippo that no matter who he fights, they always seem to be far away, but he always closes the distance, and that doesn't change against southpaws. Itagaki believes that Ippo will have a unique way of fighting back and his best position to take because he is a rare type of speciality boxer.

Kamogawa scolding Ippo about the timing of his new Dempsey Roll.

That night, Ippo reads a beginners guide to boxing. He reads about a reverse one-two, and how southpaws tend to circle to their right, thinking that it means his liver blow should be easier to land. As he continues thinking about lefts and rights of a southpaw, he gets confused. Later, at the Kamogawa gym, Kamogawa brought three southpaws from the nearest weight class so that Ippo can get experience against them. Ippo takes off his weight straps and begins sparring against them. After the spars, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki watch from the rooftop as the three southpaws leave the gym clenching their stomach. They talk about how Ippo's southpaw strategy seems to be to dash forward, dig in, and go wild from the inside. Kimura notes how Ippo's step-in that lets him instantly close in against the long range of a southpaw makes him a rare breed. He adds that it looks like Ippo recovered from any injuries he may have had, making this the perfect time to have a come-back match. Aoki believes that they don't have to worry about Ippo, however, Takamura is having trouble with his weight control. Ippo trains in the ring, where a rope is extended in the middle and he has to weave under it while moving forward and punching Kamogawa's mitts. Ippo apologises when he did the timing for the new Dempsey Roll instead of the timing to go against southpaws. Kamogawa scolds Ippo for thinking he couldn't catch his punch, and that his timing is too slow, reminding him how to go against southpaws. Aoki thinks Kamogawa is harsh, but Ippo doesn't seem to get down by it. Ippo claims he wants to get lectured more, since he didn't have a chance to because he stopped boxing for a month, but now it feels like he is really boxing now.

Shinoda telling Ippo to show his gratitude to Kamogawa for his lectures.

Later, Takamura has a public spar at the gym, defeating multiple sparring partners until they lose the will to fight. Aoki and Kimura tell Fujii how they were worried at first, but it seems Takamura can make up for any lack of practise with his natural born talents. Since Kamogawa is dealing with Takamura upstairs, Ippo does mitt practice with Shinoda in the ring in the basement. They had to stop when Shinoda couldn't catch Ippo's body blow that came from below. Shinoda explains to Ippo how someone who catches punches have anxiety while doing so, being impressed that Kamogawa has always held mitts for Ippo and to not take Kamogawa seriously when he makes light of his punches. Shinoda suggests for Ippo to think about how much determination it takes for Kamogawa to catch his punches and how hard it is for Kamogawa to lecture him, advising for Ippo to show him gratitude if he is grateful of his lectures.

Ippo and Antonio shaking hands.

At the Roigal Hotel, after the boxers pass their weigh-in, a press conference is held. Takamura, who is defending his WBA and WBC middleweight titles faces off against his challenger, Keith Lycaon. Ippo and Antonio meet and shake hands after Antonio accidentally sent of his left hand before using his right to shake hands and remembers his past. After the press conference, Kamogawa tells Takamura that he better not puke after getting hit in the body since he is drinking his third litre of water. Takamura claims that he should be worried he doesn't let his guard down because Lycaon looked puny up close and he almost laughed. Ippo tells Kamogawa how he noticed that Antonio instinctively offered his left hand to shake, making him realise that he really is fighting a natural southpaw. He adds that for an eighteen year old, Antonio looks like he carries a heavy burden by looking at his face. Kamogawa orders Ippo and Takamura to get in the right mindset, rest up, and spend the night getting focused. At the Mashiba residence, Mashiba tells [[Kumi Mashiba]Kumi]] that Ippo's come-back match is tomorrow, thinking that that is why the dinner she cooked is poor quality. Kumi claims she can't go since she has a late shift at her job. Mashiba states that he will go, but he hopes he loses. Kumi doesn't want Ippo to lose, but then she remembers that if Ippo loses he retires. Mashiba asks Kumi if she wants Ippo to lose or not, but she can't answer. At home, Ippo thinks that what Antonio is wagering on his fists is not different from him, since he made up his mind on something, telling himself that he can't and won't lose.

Semi-Final - Ippo Makunouchi (WBC Rank 8) VS. Antonio Guevara (Filipino Champion)

Antonio walking to the ring.

The day of the matches arrive as Ippo's match against Antonio is about to begin at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan. Fujii and Mari head to their seats. Fujii decides to sit in a box seat with Miyata, Mashiba, and Sendō. Sendō asks Fujii if the rumours about Ippo's new Dempsey Roll are true or not. Miyata claims that they are true, as Ippo has had time to refine it, betting that it may be nearly perfect now. Miyata, Mashiba, and Sendō bicker until Fujii points out that the undercards are over, and the semi-final starring Ippo and Antonio is about to start. In the Kamogawa gym's room in the venue, Ippo does mitt practise with Kamogawa, focusing on using his right more since he is facing a southpaw. Takamura wonders if Kamogawa is scared he didn't prepare Ippo enough or guilty he could only find a southpaw. Yagi notes that while a southpaw may be a difficult opponent for a come-back match, Antonio was the only one not avoiding Ippo. Ippo swears to Kamogawa that he will show everyone the new Dempsey Roll that they both created. As Ippo and his seconds head out, Takamura tells Ippo to deliver. Ippo, confused, responds that he will do his best. As the match is about to begin, Antonio heads to the ring, waving at the audience. The audience note how young and confident Antonio looks, and thinks that he is reckless if he knows how powerful Ippo is.

Ippo heading to the ring.

Sendō asks Fujii if Antonio is strong. Fujii believes that if Ippo has his step back, most expect that Ippo can beat a national champion even if they are a southpaw, thinking that it isn't a matter of "if", but "how" he wins. Fujii predicts the match will be about if he can reignite expectations and build excitement for another attempt at the world stage. As one of Antonio's seconds notice all the cheers for Ippo, Antonio tells him that it is okay since he can't understand them, and he is focused on saving a lot of money for when he sees his family again beneath Smokey Mountain. Antonio claims that he will fight anyone, anywhere, and that he has got to win. Mashiba, Miyata, and Sendō think that Antonio is cannon fodder and feels bad for him as he is the first victim of the new Dempsey Roll. Ippo walks to the ring while shadow boxing. Antonio plans on taking Ippo's world rank, while Ippo plans on using his new Dempsey Roll.

Ippo sending Antonio down with an overhand.

When the match begins, Ippo and Antonio touch gloves before stepping back. Antonio takes the southpaw stance, while Ippo enters the Peek-a-Boo Style. Fujii thinks that Ippo will check things out first and shake off the rust of being away from the ring for ten months, noting how it takes two rounds to get back to the swing of things. Ippo feels like Antonio is far away due to his stance, wondering what he should do. Ippo remembers that Kamogawa told him to start with a right. When Ippo started moving towards Antonio, Antonio cleanly hits him with a right jab to the head, sending his head flying back. Ippo blocks more right jabs while wondering how Antonio can connect at that distance since he can't tell how far away he is. Ippo accidentally throws a left out of habit, which Antonio dodges by using footwork to move away. Sendō and Mashiba think that it is going to take a while for Ippo to get used to fighting a southpaw. Miyata thinks that Antonio is a skilled southpaw, making it a hard match for Ippo. Miyata mentions that if Ippo forces his way through the jabs, a big punch will be waiting as Antonio is aiming for the same counter Alfredo threw even if the stance is flipped. Sendō thinks Ippo should rush in anyway, as slugging it out will make him being rusty and facing a southpaw not matter, and it is something Ippo always does. Ippo doesn't want to observe and hold back, so he decides to rush in towards Antonio. Antonio tries to connect a punch as Ippo dashes towards him, however, Ippo is faster than he expected. As soon as Ippo gets close to Antonio, he lands a Solar Plexus Blow on Antonio. Antonio tries to step back to escape, but Ippo has already caught up to him. Ippo lands a right overhand on Antonio's face, sending him bouncing off the ropes and going down.

Ippo using the new Dempsey Roll on Antonio.

Fujii mentions that that was the result of Ippo's training with ankle and wrist weights. As the audience cheers for Ippo, Sendō tells them to be quiet since he ripped him off by training with weights. Mashiba notes how crazy it was that Antonio got knocked to the ropes the second Ippo came into range. Miyata thinks it is remarkable how Ippo is able to dash in at superhuman speed, believing that the foundation of the new Dempsey Roll is ready. As the count continues, Kamogawa knows that when southpaws sway back, they pull farther back than orthodox boxers, betting that Antonio pulled back as hard as he could so the punch did not land deep. Kamogawa shouts out to Ippo to keep his focus and get ready to jump in again. As Antonio gets up with memories of his home, Ippo starts weaving and launches from the corner when the round continues. After Ippo dodges a right jab, he starts hitting Antonio's block as he pushes him to the ropes. With Antonio at the ropes, Ippo ducks to the left after Antonio throws a right jab. From that position, Ippo begins his new Dempsey Roll by throwing a left uppercut, left hook, ducking right, then throwing a right uppercut, and a right hook. All punches but the right hook, which missed were blocked, however, the impact from the punches hitting his block makes him go down. The referee rules a slip as he didn't get hit by a punch. The audience is excited that they saw the new Dempsey Roll. Sendō notes how Ippo always had crazy uppercuts, but he can now throw them repeatedly with the Dempsey Roll, wondering what kind of power he has now. Ippo remembers that when he used it before, he could hear sounds of his muscles tearing, but now he is able to use it without trouble, thanks to Kamogawa.

Ippo, heavy like a boulder, unable to be pushed down by Antonio.

Fujii thinks it is amazing that even though Ippo did the same training method as Sendō, but different raw material resulted in different growth. Fujii adds that Ippo has always had a sturdy lower body and great sense of balance, but the additional improvements are a result of difference in potential. Miyata points out Ippo's big toe being stronger as well should allow him to shift his weight even faster than he was able to before, and his increased muscle means his body can take the impact from sudden stops and starts more easily. Miyata adds that those things aren't something one can gain with just weight straps, they are built slowly over a long period of time. Miyata also adds that the punches he threw with the new Dempsey Roll can be thrown while shifting his pivot foot which means even if his opponent runs, Ippo can still chase them down using it. Mashiba believes that Sawamura's Dempsey Break won't work anymore. Miyata feels like whenever he watches Ippo fight, it reminds him of how interesting boxing can be. Antonio gets up, but he arms are still numb from blocking Ippo's punches, wondering how he can survive. As the round continues, Ippo rushes toward Antonio, who can't use his legs as the first body blow Ippo threw is still affecting his legs. The pressure makes Antonio back himself to the ropes. With Ippo at close range, Antonio lands a few right jabs on Ippo's face, but Ippo still pushes in regardless. Ippo thinks Antonio is sending out a left straight. Ippo ducks under the stretched out left arm, however, Antonio uses his other arm to trap Ippo into a clinch. Antonio tries to recover by pushing Ippo down with him to the canvas, but due to the new Dempsey Roll requiring a strong lower body, Antonio feels like he is trying to push a boulder, and is unable to push the heavy Ippo down. While clinched, Ippo twists his body slightly and delivers a liver blow at point blank range. The attack forces Antonio to let go as his mouthpiece flies out and he has to hold onto the ropes while buckling in pain. Ippo goes towards the defenceless Antonio, however, he is stopped by the referee as the first round ends.

Ippo thinking about how Kamogawa is the only one besides his mother who cares this much about him.

At Ippo's corner, while Yagi praises Ippo's performance, Kamogawa scolds him for getting hit by Antonio's jabs at long range. Ippo explains that he doesn't have a sense of how far a southpaw's jab can reach, which Kamogawa responds that he can block them too to get used to the range, but if he finds an opening, hit Antonio first before he gets hit. As Kamogawa continues his advice, Ippo thinks about how besides his mother, Kamogawa is the only other person who cares this much about him, so he feels he has to pay him back and show his gratitude. At Antonio's corner, Antonio tells his seconds how Ippo's body blows makes him feel like Ippo is gouging his guts out. When Antonio's chief second states that there has to be a way to beat Ippo, Antonio doesn't know how, since he has never experienced this kind of pressure before, as when Ippo even makes a small step, he can feel it wear on his nerves. A second claims that he asked Gedo about Ippo's weaknesses, but Gedo made him pay for his drinking tab before asking him for more money to get more advice from him, however, the second didn't have any money after paying for Gedo's tab. Antonio believes he will have to rely on his long jabs that he was able to hit him with in the first round and focus on keeping him away until he finds an opportunity. Before heading out, Antonio claims that he won't quit here, wanting to take Ippo's world ranking and go back to the Smokey Mountain with a bright future, while Ippo plans to show Kamogawa that his time with him was well spent, vowing to use the new Dempsey Roll they created.

After being unable to reach Antonio, Ippo is determined on using the new Dempsey Roll.

As the second round starts, Kamogawa is impressed by how brave Ippo is since he has to take the opponent to the ropes where he was defeated by Alfredo before, showing no mental shock. Ippo dashes towards Antonio, who leans on his back foot while throwing right jabs. Sendō and Mashiba thinks that Antonio is putting weight on his back foot to get away when Ippo closes in on him, as no power punches can be thrown in that stance. Ippo has trouble getting closer as he continuously gets hit with right jabs to the face while moving forward, as Antonio moves back and throws more right jabs. When Ippo manages to get into close range, Antonio gets nervous and shoves him hard and moves back. Antonio receives a warning from the referee to not do the illegal move again. As the round continues, Antonio uses footwork and right jabs to keep the approaching Ippo away. Ippo's charge stops suddenly. Mashiba thinks Ippo isn't sure on what to do. Fujii claims how even though Antonio as caught off guard in the first round, he still had time to study Ippo's range and tactics, and now he is able to effectively use a variation of the method he used against other orthodox boxers. He adds that Ippo's lack of experience against southpaws is a big factor, and he is sure the idea was to beat him using the momentum from the earlier down, making him desperate now. Sendō decides to get up and get a drink, mentioning to Fujii that it is over because he can see Ippo steaming up with fighting spirit, as he is determined. Sendō explains to Miyata, Mashiba, and Fujii that he came to see if Ippo has become weaker, but after seeing him like this, he has nothing to worry about. After Mashiba points out that Ippo has been getting hit by jabs and unable to get close, Sendō claims that he is getting mixed up by two ranges: the southpaw's range ad his own range. Sendō adds that it is Ippo's first match without the ankle weight straps, so he might be feeling like he is floating around, but he will start getting the hang of it soon and get his act together after.

Ippo lifting Antonio into the air with a left uppercut.

Ippo dashes and gets close to Antonio, but he stepped in too far, making him bump into him. Antonio pushes him to the side, and tries to escape, thinking Ippo is off balance since he is standing on one foot while leaning over. However, Ippo is able to throw a punch at the unorthodox angle, throwing an uppercut from his left that was close to the canvas while standing on his left foot. Antonio, despite blocking, is lifted up in the air from the impact. Antonio backs away while throwing right jabs, but Ippo keeps up with him while blocking and dodging the attacks. Ippo hits Antonio's block with a heavy right that is thrown while leaning to the left. Antonio feels like he is looking at the impossible as he sees the way Ippo can twist his body and the flexibility and strength required for it. Antonio blocks a right overhand, but the impact causes his nose to bleed. Ippo begins his new Dempsey Roll by throwing a left uppercut, a right hook, and a left hook, however, the punches barely miss. Itagaki tells Aoki and Kimura that Ippo can't land his punches because his front foot keeps knocking into Antonio's front foot. Kamogawa tells Yagi how it looks like Ippo is pushing in, but he can't make it, as there is a lot of space for Antonio to steer clear of him. Yagi notes that there are no long range punches in his new Dempsey Roll, so he needs to step-in. Itagaki thinks it will be all over if Ippo gets pass Antonio's front leg, and knows that Ippo has the southpaw strategy down since he taught him before the match.

Ippo landing a right overhand on Antonio.

Ippo blocks a right that makes him get pushed back. Antonio steps back and keeps Ippo away with left and right combinations. Fujii, Mashiba, Miyata, and Sendō notice that Antonio is attacking with heavy blows. Miyata knows how he feels as an out-boxer, since when one puts more power into their punches, it cuts into their speed, as well as sacrificing one's range advantage while giving their opponent an opportunity, meaning that Antonio fully intends on fighting it out. Both boxers' arms collide when they threw a punch at each other. Antonio's arm is numb, making him want to keep Ippo from getting past his defences due to his power. Ippo is close to Antonio, who keeps throwing punches to prevent him from getting closer, but Ippo is holding his feet on the canvas, not moving away at all. Ippo's front foot gets past Antonio's front foot, letting him throw a right overhand. The right overhand hits Antonio's face, and as Ippo tries to start his new Dempsey Roll again, his follow-up left uppercut misses as Antonio was already down from the right overhand. The gong to end the second round rings, but the count for Antonio's down begins since Antonio was down before the gong rang. In the neutral corner, Ippo thinks how he still hasn't used the new Dempsey Roll yet. Antonio gets up, leaving the venue shocked that he still wants to fight. The referee sends both boxers to their corners.

Ippo declaring a knockout victory against Antonio.

At Antonio's corner, the referee warns the group that if he sees that things look dangerous, he will stop the match. Antonio asks his seconds to stop the blood as he can't gather his strength. The seconds can stop the bleeding from the nose, but not from the cuts in his mouth. The chief second suggests that he can forfeit if he wants to since Ippo is too strong, but Antonio claims he can swallow the blood. The chief second reminds Antonio that they are in foreign soil, where everyone is here to see him lose, so there is no reason to continue for a crowd like that. Antonio states that he can breathe through his nose again, and that he wants to go home with his head held high, asking to let him continue fighting even if it is just for one more round. At Ippo's corner, as Ippo breathes deep to steady his breath, he thinks about how he knows how to get through now. After Ippo spits blood, Kamogawa notes how Antonio's punches seem sharper than they look and asks Ippo if he has a grasp of his range yet. Ippo claims that when Antonio is far from him, he thinks that he dodged his attacks, but still gets hit. However, he notes that he now knows how to close in, planning to bring an in-fight to Antonio. Kamogawa tells Ippo to not rush and get sloppy, as Antonio must be looking for a chance to counter. Kamogawa adds that Ippo should not let his guard down at long range, and to keep one hand over his jaw as he punches. As Ippo walks away for the third round, he asks Kamogawa to watch him, as he declares that he will defeat Antonio in the next round. Kamogawa remembers how Ippo did the same thing in his first come-back match against losing to Date. Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki note that the two rounds it takes for a boxer to get back into things are now over, so the new Dempsey Roll is going to come soon.

Ippo rolling on the canvas after his front leg collides with Antonio's front leg.

As the third round begins, Ippo dashes towards Antonio. Ippo gets hit by a left jab and a right hook before he starts to dodge some right jabs by weaving. Ippo ducks under one right jab and lands a right body blow on Antonio. Antonio clinches only for a short time as Ippo lands a liver blow to escape it. Ippo ducks under another right jab and tries to get his front foot pass Antonio's, however, his foot collides with Antonio's foot during the step-in, causing him to fall and roll on the canvas. The referee rules it as a slip, and Ippo gets up immediately to continue the round. Mashiba mentions that it happens all the time with orthodox boxers facing each other, their front feet are at the opposite side, but an orthodox boxer facing a southpaw has their front feet on the same side, causing their legs to hook. Sendō claims Mashiba tends to hook legs with other orthodox boxers, making him angry. Antonio's chief second wants to throw the towel, as he believes it was too early for Antonio to fight a boxer like Ippo. Ippo charges toward Antonio again, and Antonio tries to keep him away with right jabs. Ippo hits Antonio's guard with a left hook that causes Antonio to bleed from his mouth, but he swallows it and lands a one-two that breaks Ippo's block. Ippo can't put his block back together in time, so he grits his teeth as he is hit multiple times by Antonio's right jabs. Ippo gets hit at middle range as he tries to get close. Ippo lands another punch on Antonio's guard that causes more blood to appear. Antonio's chief second tries to throw the towel, but Antonio continues fighting back. Ippo dashes forward with a Cross-Arm Block, blocking all of Antonio's jabs until he gets close enough to step-in to his preferred range. When Ippo steps in, Antonio throws a right hook that grazes Ippo's head as their legs collide again, sending Ippo rolling on the canvas. The referee rules a down, and Ippo gets up on the count of six.

Antonio landing a right counter on Ippo.

As soon as the referee signals to continue the round, Ippo immediately dashes toward Antonio while wondering what is wrong with himself. Ippo knocks Antonio into a corner after hitting his block with a long right hook. Ippo hammers Antonio to the corner post with huge left and right combinations hitting his block while thinking about how he wants to show Kamogawa the new Dempsey Roll to repay him, but he fell twice and one of them was a down, wondering what he is doing. Kamogawa wonders what is going on with the way Ippo is punching, as his guard is open on all of them, and they are so wide that there is lag in between them. Antonio manages to land a counter by just extending out his right arm, making Ippo blank out. Antonio escapes the corner as Ippo wonders how Antonio got behind him. Ippo chases Antonio with long and wide swings, hitting his guard and knocking him back. The referee gets in between them as the third round ends.

Kamogawa worried about what else will be different from Ippo's other come-back match.

In Ippo's corner, Kamogawa scolds Ippo over his huge swings that got him countered. Ippo claims he did not know he got hit by a counter. Kamogawa mentions that he missed an opportunity to use the new Dempsey Roll since Antonio was at the area where the Dempsey Roll is the most effective: the corner. He however orders him to stop fixating on the new Dempsey Roll, as the longer the match lasts, the more he is risking as he already went down. Ippo didn't know he went down, and claims that he can corner Antonio again and use the new Dempsey Roll, but Kamogawa again tells him to not fixate on the technique. At Antonio's corner, Antonio is praised on his performance, and his seconds believe he may land a counter again. Antonio thinks that the only thing that is going to happen again is him getting cornered again. Antonio believes he will have to dive in against Ippo's strong punches next time. As Ippo leaves for the fourth round, he decides that he will fixate on the using the new Dempsey Roll. Yagi notes that Ippo is doing a good job, but Kamogawa claims that the match isn't going like how the previous come-back match went, afraid to see what else will be different.

Antonio landing a left hook as their legs get tangled.

In the fourth round, Ippo dashes toward Antonio, having to block his right jabs that prevent him from progressing further. Mashiba thinks Ippo is too focused on the new Dempsey Roll, and that ever since he learned the Dempsey Roll, he based his style around dodging, and now it is putting him in a rut. Miyata is impressed by Antonio, as the counter he threw at the corner of the third round had timing and heart. Ippo uses the Cross-Arm Block while moving toward Antonio and blocking his jabs. Ippo sees a left hook incoming and plans to dodge it. When Ippo tries to duck and press into close range, his leg collides with Antonio's, and gets hit by the left hook. Ippo goes down, with the side of his head hitting the canvas, making him unconscious. Ippo struggles to get up, and when he gets up, he is determined to use the new Dempsey Roll to show Kamogawa his gratitude. The referee checks on Ippo, who keeps repeating that he will take Antonio to the corner. Ippo regains consciousness when Kamogawa yells out to him. The referee continues the round after Ippo takes his fighting pose and the referee saw that he could walk straight.

Kamogawa worried about Ippo.

Rather than resting to recover damage, Ippo dashes toward Antonio, confusing Kamogawa and the audience as to why he wants to rush things. Ippo attacks Antonio's guard with huge left and right swings. Kamogawa believes attacking to defend might be the right choice, but his attacks are so frenzied, thinking that something is wrong with Ippo. Shinoda thinks that Ippo is having trouble being consistent. Yagi notes that when Ippo started out, a down would help him switch on and then he would get a come-back knockout. Miyata thinks of how all this time he has watched Ippo fight, and his overwhelming power would be wild at times, but he would always cover his jaw, and his punches would come from the inside, not the outside. Miyata wonders why Ippo is punching totally exposed like he wants to get hit by a counter. Kamogawa knows that this isn't the boxing he taught Ippo, and wonders if he can't do what he taught him anymore. Miyata thinks that Ippo is off his game, as the way he dodges, connects, and links all of his attacks are all wrong. As Antonio is pushed to a corner, Yagi believes that Ippo has turned on his switch now. Kamogawa is horrified as he remembers Nekota saying how something would switch on and off in him. Kamogawa thinks about what has happen before and during the match with Ippo, connecting it to what Nekota, Miguel, and Takamura mentioned to him, worried about Ippo.

Ippo downed by a light graze of a left hook.

With Antonio at the corner, Ippo sees a left hook coming and tries to dodge, but when he ducks, it lightly grazes his head. Ippo tries to start the new Dempsey Roll from a low position, however, his knee hits the canvas, causing a down. Mashiba comments that Ippo's loss against Nagumo wasn't a fluke. Sendō, remembering Takamura wondering if Ippo has gotten weak, worries about Ippo. Kamogawa worries if Ippo is really broken. Miyata stands up from his seat, wondering what Ippo was supposed to show him, and what happened to him, as he didn't come to see this. As the count reaches four, Miyata wonders how long Ippo is going to stay there. Mashiba points out that Ippo has stood up from his and Sendō's punches before, but now he is on his knees from a graze, adding that it doesn't take a genius to know what that means. Miyata refuses to accept something is wrong with Ippo, thinking how he wears himself down to stay in the featherweight class. Miyata is grasping for a ray of hope, wanting Ippo to get up. Ippo gets up at the count of eight, telling the referee he can go on. Kamogawa wonders how many times Ippo has fallen in this match, including the accidental slips, wondering if they were even accidents, or if Ippo can even fight.

Ippo landing a right straight on Antonio.

Kamogawa has seen him pull through tough spots like this plenty of times before, and now he sees that Ippo is still ready to go. Watching on TV, Takamura thinks Kamogawa shouldn't get his hopes up as Ippo is busted, believing that Kamogawa should end it before he gets completely junked. Kamogawa thinks that Ippo being punch drunk is just a suspicion, but even a suspicion should be enough to stop the match. Kamogawa grabs the towel, not wanting to have Ippo continue fighting and make things take a turn for the worst. Antonio leaves the neutral corner and prepares to fight Ippo at the centre of the ring as Antonio thought Ippo was a monster, but he can't take hits well. Believing that he can beat Ippo and take his world ranking, Antonio throws a right straight at Ippo. Just as Kamogawa was about to throw the towel, Ippo ducks under Antonio's right straight and lands a right straight of his own, knocking Antonio down. When Antonio gets up, both boxers go towards each other. Ippo throws a punch first, but Antonio dodges by stepping back. Antonio's legs are shaking from the down, but Antonio plans to keep attacking, as he believes if he hits him, Ippo will go down. Ippo rushes towards Antonio, who begins throwing a barrage of right jabs. After Ippo gets hit by one of them, he throws a body blow that gets blocked.

Ippo thinking about wanting to apologise to Kamogawa.

After getting hit by another right jab, Ippo throws another body blow that Antonio blocks. Antonio notices Ippo is throwing body blows a lot, planning to counter the next one. As Ippo is about to attack again, Antonio prepares a counter. Ippo throws his punch faster, and hits him with a right straight, and a left uppercut, sending Antonio down. When Antonio gets up, he repeats to him self that one more down and he wins. The match enters a sudden death, where one more down on either boxer in this round will end the match. Both boxers move towards each other, and Ippo looks at Kamogawa. Kamogawa wonders what Ippo wanted to say, and plans to watch him. After Ippo lands a liver blow and hits Antonio's guard, Antonio is forced to the ropes. Antonio throws a barrage of right jabs that hits Ippo. Ippo throws a right that hits the ropes as Antonio retreats to the right. Antonio accidentally retreated to a corner, and Ippo follows him to pin him in. Antonio doesn't have any strength to throw any more rights, and can only rely on his left. Ippo weaves his body to use the Dempsey Roll. As Ippo steps in, he thinks about what he wanted to say to Kamogawa when he looked at him earlier. He wanted to apologise to him, as he noticed for a while that something about him changed, but since Kamogawa gave him so much of his time, Ippo wanted to live up to his hopes. Ippo was happy when he was able to do something new, and thought maybe that he would go back to normal once the match started. However, Ippo would think he dodged a punch but then he would get hit, he would think he landed a punch, but missed, and in this match, there are parts where he can't remember. Ippo believes that after this, he doesn't think he will be able to continue, but wishes for Kamogawa to watch him use the new Dempsey Roll they made together. Ippo thinks how he would have loved to stay at Kamogawa's side and go as far as they could together all the way.

Antonio defeating Ippo.

Wanting Kamogawa to watch him, Ippo begins throwing the new Dempsey Roll, starting with a left uppercut. While Antonio doesn't have the strength to use his right, he still has his left. As Ippo's left uppercut gets close to Antonio, Antonio sends out his left. Antonio counters Ippo with his left, sending Ippo's head up. Ippo throws a right that misses, and the momentum of the throw causes Ippo to fall flat on the canvas, causing the match to end in Antonio's victory, and the Wind God's failed revival.

The Shocking Aftermath

Kamogawa telling Ippo that it is over now.

Kamogawa, Yagi, and Shinoda rush to the ring to check on Ippo as Antonio's corner celebrates their win. Miyata notices that Ippo's distance from Antonio when he was about to use the new Dempsey Roll wouldn't have been effective, noting that Ippo's sense of range has been off the whole match. When Ippo wakes up, Kamogawa tells him that it is over now. Ippo gets up and gives his regards to the audience before leaving the ring. In the Kamogawa gym's waiting room, Takamura thinks that the results of Ippo's match doesn't mean anything, thinking that he has always been alone from the start, believing it to be better this way. Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki goes to the room to look for Ippo, but Yagi and Shinoda claims that Ippo is still with the doctor. Yagi claims Ippo has a concussion, but they won't know until the tests gets ran in the morning. Yagi believes that it is his fault for having him fight a southpaw for his come-back match. Shinoda thinks that it is a mixture of the pressure of a come-back match and Ippo's fixation on the new Dempsey Roll, so when Ippo couldn't build momentum, the frustration created a vicious cycle. As Ippo and Kamogawa walk in to the room, Takamura tells Ippo that it is like a funeral because of him. As Takamura's match is up next, Itagaki stays behind to stay with Ippo as the rest leave the room. Ippo tells Takamura to win, which Takamura replies that he won't let Kamogawa down.

Main Event - WBA/WBC World Middleweight Title Match - Mamoru Takamura (WBA First Defence/WBC Sixth Defence) VS. Keith Lycaon (WBA Rank 2/WBC Rank 3)

Takamura defeating Lycaon.

As Takamura's match is about to begin, Mashiba notices how the audience is so quiet as if Ippo died. Fujii notes how Ippo was special to boxing fans, as he wasn't a natural born boxer and seemed like an ordinary person, like he was one of them in the audience, where if he won, they could win too. Sendō and Mashiba wonders why Fujii is using past tense. Fujii states that when someone has been around boxing for long enough, they can notice when a boxer is making a type of exit, as if they are saying "good bye," and there was thunderous applause because the audience thinks they will never see him again, making the venue seem like it is having a funeral going on. Takamura and Lycaon enter the ring for the WBA and WBC middleweight title defence match, which is a match that has never been fought in Japan before. Noticing how quiet it is, Lycaon thought the Japanese was preserved, but wonders if they really are this quiet during a boxing match. Takamura stomps his foot down and tells Kamogawa that Ippo is never coming back here again, and to keep his eyes focused on only him from now on. Mashiba believes that when an accident happens in the ring, the aura tends to linger and influence the next matches, making more upsets, knockouts, or decisions more likely if they happened in the previous match. Fujii notes that personality aside, Takamura is like a national treasure, so if him and Ippo loses on the same night, it would be disastrous. When Takamura and Lycaon's match begins, Takamura walks towards Lycaon while thinking that beating Lycaon won't cheer him up, planning to find a way to blow off steam later. Lycaon believes Takamura is bold, but since it is the age of information, the whole world knows Takamura's weakness, planning to show everyone the naked champion Takamura is. Takamura attacks first, and when Lycaon attacks back, an exchange happens. During the exchange of blows, Takamura gets hit by a long left hook. When Lycaon prepares a follow-up punch, Takamura counters with a right straight, making Lycaon flip in the air and fall to the canvas. The referee ends the match immediately, resulting in Takamura's victory.

Takamura mocking Ippo during his victory interview.

For the victory interview, Takamura claims that Ippo gave him a few words to say to the audience, and then proceeds to making mocking comments about Ippo, causing the venue to jeer and throw things in the ring. Outside of the venue, Mashiba remembers telling Kumi that Ippo losing like a clown would be a great headline, but didn't actually think Ippo would lose. Sendō sees Miyata walking away and notices how Miyata is the only one out of him and Mashiba who hasn't faced Ippo as a pro boxer, but there is nothing he can do about it, and is something he has to accept. Fujii tells Mari to not see Ippo like she did before, and if she does, to not mention him coming back. Fujii adds that while Ippo may want to come back to the ring, his body might not let him, and it isn't the kind of thing that someone should give their opinion about to him. when the Kamogawa gym members leave the venue, Kamogawa scolds Takamura for taking a big punch at the start of the match, making Takamura run away. Takamura comes back and tosses Aoki into the street and in front of a taxi to use the taxi service. As Itagaki is about to leave with Ippo to take him home, Kamogawa claims that he will be the one to take him home.

The Walk Home

Ippo answering Kamogawa's questions as Kamogawa walks him home.

While walking home with Kamogawa, Ippo is surprised when Kamogawa doesn't scold him, and is instead told that he fought well, realising that it is really over. Kamogawa asks Ippo what he would say his best matches were. Ippo answers that his matches against Date, Alfredo, and Antonio are ones that he will never forget. Kamogawa laughs and claims that it is just like Ippo to say the matches where he lost were his best ones. As Kamogawa continues to ask questions, Ippo answers him. Ippo answers that his favourite boxer is Takamura, his favourite punch is a right straight, his favourite venue is the Kōrakuen Hall, all boxers left a strong impression, Miyata is a boxer he will never forget, and all boxers he fought had the strongest punches. Kamogawa smiles, noting that he did not know what else he expected him to say.

Ippo telling Kamogawa that he is glad to have started boxing.

When they arrive to Ippo's home, Kamogawa hears Wanpo barking. Ippo claims that Wanpo is amazing since he can hear him and his mother coming home from far away. Ippo offers Kamogawa to come in for some tea, but Kamogawa states that he doesn't want to cut into Ippo's recovery time. Ippo thanks Kamogawa for walking him home, and, before Ippo goes inside, Kamogawa asks him if Ippo is glad he started boxing. Ippo answers that of course he has. Kamogawa tells him to get some rest, and once the swelling goes down, to see the specialists for exams and to tell him how they go. Hiroko comes out of the house to offer Kamogawa some tea, but he claims that he has to go, advising her to have her son get some rest. walking away, Kamogawa remembers Ippo's answer to if he was glad he started boxing, and thinks how he gave the same kind of pleasant answer that he usually gives with no hesitation, which is just like him. Laying in his futon, Ippo remembers his talk with Kamogawa to his home, and knows that it was the first time he seen Kamogawa make a kind face. After slamming his fist down on the floor, he exits his room to tell Hiroko that he is home now.

Treasures Obtained Through the Years

Kumi checking on Ippo.

The next morning, Kumi goes to the Makunouchi Fishing Boat to check on Ippo after hearing from Mashiba that he lost. Outside, she hears from Itagaki that Ippo seems fine, but when he wakes up, he will probably hurt all over. Itagaki and Hiroko leaves on the fishing boat while Kumi stays with Ippo. Seeing Ippo asleep in his futon, Kumi remembers Ippo telling her that his next loss will mean that he will retire. She cries as she is relieved that Ippo doesn't have to suffer and struggle anymore, and that even if there is something physically wrong with him, she will be by his side as she loves him. When Hiroko gets back home from working on the boat, she sees Ippo and Kumi sleeping next to each other. The two wake up and scream. Ippo runs to Hiroko in the living room and tells her that Kumi was sleeping with him and it wasn't a dream. Hiroko informs him that Kumi was looking after him. Ippo rushes off to go fish for the night's dinner.

Hiroko believing that Ippo will make a fist and go on a new adventure.

Kumi talks to Hiroko in the living room, asking if she waits for Ippo all the time just like she waits for Mashiba and sees him coming back from a match hurt badly. Hiroko claims she worries about Ippo as well, but knows that there is always a risk involved when going on an adventure. Hiroko explains that Ippo runs off and gets in all kinds of trouble, gets hurts and falls, then gets up again, but he does gets something from it. Hiroko further explains that everyone has their own lives, but everyone is the hero of their own story, and as the star of the show everyone has to go on their own adventure. She doesn't know what Ippo got from it, but he had his adventure and came back stronger. However, Hiroko notes that if Ippo finds a reason to, she is sure he will make a fist and run off again on a new adventure. That night, Ippo walks Kumi home. During the walk, Kumi suggests Ippo a specialist who has a good reputation for treating patients in combat sports that will check him for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, the clinical term for being punch drunk. Kumi mentions that she wants to be there to help Ippo with everything in a tender moment that ends up getting ruined by Mashiba, who has come to pick her up. Ippo finds a heart shaped stone that Kumi almost tripped on, deciding to keep it and call it his lucky stone.

Ippo's treasures he found on his adventure.

Later, Ippo sees the specialist. The specialist runs tests on Ippo's reaction time, dynamic vision acuity, vision clarity, field of vision, focus, cognition, understanding, and decision making. He is surprised that Ippo's overall scores only turned out to be average despite Ippo being a world ranking boxer. He tells Ippo that he is in a very precarious state, and at great risk of getting CTE, however, he claims that he has a clean bill of health, as he passed his MRI and other exams. He notes that there is a chance that with enough time to heal, Ippo's resilience and sense of range could return to normal. Ippo goes to Kamogawa and Yagi to announce the test results. Kamogawa asks for Ippo's conclusion, the latter announces boldly that he will retire because of the risk of being punch drunk if he continues and will instead help with his family business. With the announcement of his retiring, Ippo says his farewells to his former gym mates. Walking away from the gym, Takamura asks of Ippo's treasure in his adventure, and Ippo replies that there are too many to hold.

Ippo's treasures he found on his adventure.

At the Kamogawa gym's office, Yagi thinks how kindhearted Ippo is to not force Kamogawa to have to retire him, as it is a hard thing for a coach to do. Kamogawa notes that Ippo's issues with his body showed signs that he may have already been punch drunk and was on the verse of permanent damage which would lead him truly broken. Seeing the situation as the ultimate doctor stop, Kamogawa swears that Ippo will be his last boxer he will ever train, thankful for letting him dream. On the rooftop, Kimura mentions to Itagaki that he thought he was the first one going to retire, and that he doesn't know why Ippo retired. Itagaki wonders if Ippo has any regrets. Kimura claims Ippo is the only one who knows, but he was jealous when Ippo was smiling when he waved goodbye. Aoki thinks it is anticlimactic as he remembers when Naomichi Yamada left, they all gave him the traditional sparring goodbye. Takamura arrives to the rooftop and revealed to Kimura, Aoki, and Itagaki that he asked Ippo if he scored any treasure in his adventure, to which Ippo replied that there are too many to hold.