More than a Knockoff is Round 1017 of Jōji Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo manga series.
Details[]
- Real Life People Mentioned: Larry Holmes
- Title Page Character(s): Eiji Date, Mari Īmura
Summary[]
Date tells Mari about how Okita, who looked up to him, copied his form and habits and trained hard to catch up to him, even acquiring the same technique as him, and while there is nothing wrong with resembling someone's style, they need something more than that to attain real mastery. He explains that when someone is simply copying another boxer, they are trying to just be as good as the original when they should be trying to get better, which requires the desire and ambition to get to the next level, and the spirit to move on, the hunger, and the strength of will to catch up and surpass their goal like Larry Holmes had when he defended the heavyweight title 19 times. He notes with that hunger, it doesn't matter if they are able to copy the original, what is important is the fruit of that motivation, the effort they put in, and the growth of the results, and eventually they will become a boxer that is as good or even better. Date claims he doesn't know if Alfredo started out looking up to Ricardo, wanting to beat him, or both, but it is obvious that the resemblance was born from wanting to surpass him, with fists hardened with a desire to win. He adds that Alfredo might seem like a stylish boxer like Ricardo and probably acts like a gentleman, but Date feels like he is scary, noting his vicious look in his eyes at all times, comparing him to be like Miyata with Sendō's wild side. Mari asks if Date thinks Ippo will win. Date answers that it is 60-40 with Ippo at 60%, explaining that Ippo's boxing seems a bit too simple for the world stage, and there is a good chance he will lose by decision, but if he can close the distance, it will increase his chances. He adds that he will be fine if he has gotten stronger, but wonders what will happen if he got weaker. Mari doesn't think Ippo with the training he does has gotten weaker, but notes the chances of him overworking himself. Date thinks that how Ippo spends his time until the match comes is key, and it all comes down to what his approach will be. After Ippo trains by ducking under iron bars, hitting a tire with a hammer, and sparring against Kimura, Kamogawa proclaims that all that is left is the final touches, instructing him to rest and not mess up down the final stretch.