Close Encounter is Round 1019 of Jōji Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo manga series.
Details[]
- Title Page Character(s): Ippo Makunouchi
Summary[]
Alfredo stops by the Otowa gym, and, while sparring against a high ranked Japanese lightweight boxer, who can't get close, onlookers notices how Alfredo's left is flawless, and his footwork is even better. Fujii observes how Alfredo is able to keep his personal distance by constantly using very tiny movements. The Otowa coach thinks Alfredo is real trouble, as boxers who have their basics down tight are particularly tough, and, after seeing Alfredo bowing and thanking his sparring partner, the coach sees that he is gentleman-like as well. Imai doesn't think he is a gentleman, however, since he is sure Alfredo doesn't want to exhaust himself too much because he is sparring, but he would be angry if someone was holding back that much against him, as he only used his left. Imai wished to see his right, and if he didn't have a fight coming up, he would spar against Alfredo as he thinks he would make him serious. Alfredo notices Imai glaring at him. As the Otowa coach notices Imai's desire to fight Alfredo, he stops him and reminds him that he is fighting Itagaki and to let Ippo take care of Alfredo. Imai leaves, claiming that without a doubt he will take the JBC title. At a hotel, Alfredo's coach notices that Alfredo isn't sleeping. Alfredo tells his coach that while Japan is a nice country, he needs more, as his sparring partners were so weak, wanting to land something destructive with his right. His coach tells him to save up all his stress and power and let his right explode when his match starts. The next day, the weigh-in for the matches arrive. At the Kōrakuen Hall, Ippo and Itagaki tells Kamogawa that their weight is good. Kamogawa advises them to keep a close eye on their opponents to confirm their condition and spirit, as the fight has already begun. Inside, after Itagaki and Imai passes their weight check, Itagaki notices that Imai is more intense than usual. Imai walks up to Ippo, warning him to be careful.