Breaking the Seal is Round 1054 of Jōji Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo manga series.
Details[]
- Title Page Character(s): Alfredo González, Ippo Makunouchi
Summary[]
After Ippo gets hit with a left jab while trying charge at Alfredo, the fifth round ends. As they walk to their corner, Ippo can't believe that everything he has tried hasn't been working, while Alfredo wonders if it is enough because he can't hold back much longer. Sendō is angry about what is happening, leading Mashiba to suggest for him to go fight Alfredo after he defeats Ippo. Sendō doesn't want to fight Alfredo as he claims he is only interested in fights that would be satisfying slug fests. Miyata thinks that while the match is educational, he doesn't think he should follow Alfredo's example too closely, since if one doesn't beat their opponent mentally, then they will always hang on the hope of a comeback, which Ippo can pull off. At their corners, Ippo asks for permission to use the Dempsey Roll, while Alfredo asks if it is okay to not hold back. Alfredo's coach allows Alfredo to let loose, and Kamogawa, after placing ice on Ippo's swollen right eye, allows it as well. As the sixth round begins, Ippo enters the figure-eight weaving motion of the Dempsey Roll as he moves towards Alfredo, who looks confused. Alfredo's coach recognises the technique, surprised to see someone using it in the far east. Ippo knows he can't start with the Gazelle Punch since Alfredo has already stopped it, planning to go directly at him.