Those Words is Round 1020 of Jōji Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo manga series.
Details[]
- Title Page Character(s): Ippo Makunouchi
Summary[]
After Ippo and Alfredo meet eyes for the first time and pass their weight check, the reporters ask Ippo how it feels to relinquish the JBC featherweight belt after so long and what his thoughts are on his upcoming match that could become the preliminary match for a shot at the world title. Ippo feels as if he is just now realising he isn't the Japanese champion anymore, and he views the match as him being a challenger and wants to use his training and experience to see how effectively he can fight at the world level. As Ippo was about to explain his training and game plan, he is knocked on the head by Kamogawa for almost showing his plans to his opponent. He explains he trained hard and hopes to see what he worked on his effective in the world level. As the reporters begin to ask Alfredo questions, Mari goes to Ippo to translate his Spanish. Alfredo is asked his impression on Ippo. Alfredo tells them what he thinks Ricardo would say: "I wouldn't expect too much from him." The shocked reporters thinks it would be odd to not expect anything from him, however, Alfredo comments how Ippo seems incredibly small to him, and once the gong rings, they will see what he means. As the reporters think that the comment got Ippo fired up, Ippo declines and tells the reporters again that he just wants to see what he worked on his effective in the world level. As Mari remembers Date wondering what would happen if Ippo has gotten weaker, she knows that Ippo means it when he talks about how hard he has trained, and probably has trained more than ever before, as well as having reliable people supporting him with a good plan on what to do. She doesn't think Ippo has gotten weaker, but doesn't know why she is so nervous. With Sendō, remembering Takamura claiming that Ippo has gotten weaker, and Mashiba, remembering Ippo saying he wants to walk home with his own two feet, the two rivals of Ippo decide that they will have to go and watch the match tomorrow. On the day of the matches, at the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Hiroko notices Ippo is going to wear his blue coloured boxing trunks. Ippo thinks how he will be the challenger starting today. He tells Hiroko if he wins the match with Alfredo he might be fighting for the world title, asking her if she would come and watch his world title match. Hiroko claims that she will think about it.