Impressions After First Contact is Round 1035 of Jōji Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo manga series.
Details[]
- Title Page Character(s): Ippo Makunouchi, Alfredo González
Summary[]
Alfredo throws a left straight that Ippo dodges in time. A short range exchange begins, with Ippo dodging a left jab to the side and throws another liver blow that Alfredo also knocks down again. Ippo leans to the right and throws a right uppercut as Alfredo throws a left straight, with both boxers missing. After Ippo blocks a left jab, he was about to throw another liver blow as Alfredo was about to throw another left jab, but both boxers step back away from each other and pauses. Fujii and Miyata are surprised that the liver blow and right uppercut were stopped by Alfredo, thinking how it is something that can't be done without preparation. Fujii saw it as an exchange of blows filled with courage, caution, and foresight. Ippo thinks Alfredo was impressive when he got close to him and feels accomplished that he was able to get close to him, seeing that his usual fighting style seems to be working. Alfredo notes how Ippo's lowered stance and short height makes his punches come from an upward angle, making him a unique boxer. The announcer asks Date if the observation period is over. Date believes that was the first part, since Ippo is back outside his range and stopped punching, believing it was Ippo showing a demonstration. He adds how both fighters showed their weapons to see how their opponent will react, like a exhibition and staging ground to see what will be effective, as that is how strategy works on the world level. Ippo dashes forward, ducks under Alfredo's left jab and aims a left uppercut at Alfredo's head. Alfredo blocks and becomes off balance as he gets pushed back. As the punch left a print of his fist on his glove, Alfredo deems Ippo's destructive potential as world class, planning to demonstrate his next.