Grim Reaper to the World Arc

Grim Reaper to the World Arc
Information
Volumes	133-135, (3 Volumes)
Manga Rounds	1350-1375, (26 Chapters)
Chronology
Previous	Keith Dragon Arc
Next	Alpha and Omega Arc

The Grim Reaper to the World Arc is the fifty-second story arc in the series and the sixth in the Bold Retirement Saga.

Mashiba's preliminary world title match is announced against former WBA lightweight champion Juan García. Before that match, Imai has his fourth JBC featherweight title defence match against challenger Hoshi, and Sendō finds out that Ricardo's next opponent is not him, but former Indonesian featherweight champion Wally, who prepares for the match by training with IBF champion Volg.

Summary

Their Backs

Itagaki and Kimura noting how Miyata's back looked lonely.

At the Kamogawa gym, Kintarō accidentally hits Ippo while doing mitt practise. Taihei tells Itagaki how he is in high spirits after watching Takamura's super middleweight world title match and wants to know when he will come back so that a victory party can be thrown. Itagaki claims that Takamura usually takes trips to relax, so he won't be back for a bit, and Kimura notes that Kamogawa seemed exhausted as well. As Ippo keeps messing up with the mitt practise, Aoki gets frustrated and takes Ippo's mitts. Aoki wears the mitts and has Kintarō do mitt practise with him. As Aoki has Kintarō punch the mitts with no problems, Ippo suggests for Aoki to become a trainer since he has skills of holding the mitts, however, Aoki gets angered towards Ippo since he it is like he is suggesting for him to retire. Kimura points out how Miyata told them that getting carried away like that is what he hates, shocking Ippo that they were watching Takamura's title match with Miyata. Kimura tells Ippo how Aoki still thinks of Miyata as a former gym mate and was getting physical with him, adding that he was worried that Miyata would be lonely, so if it was him, Aoki, and Itagaki, Miyata would let his guard down. Kimura feels that Miyata is still hoping against all hope that Ippo will come back, and Itagaki adds that Miyata's back looked lonely as he left. After Ippo asks what kind of physical contact Aoki as making with him, and Aoki demonstrated, Ippo gets mad at Aoki about it, knowing Miyata doesn't like it. Yagi enters the gym and reveals to everyone that he was called out by Dragon, who wanted to make some memories, to partake in a mahjong match. Yagi details how Dragon was thrown off his game by Robo and Matsu, and the game ended in Yagi's victory, however, despite Dragon losing and his luck seemingly gone, his back looked calm and contented as he left.

The Changes in the Makunouchi Generation

Ippo and Kumi talking about Mashiba's match against Juan being decided.

Later, Ippo is fishing as he thinks about how his gym mates said Miyata's back looked lonely, thinking that Miyata should go for the world already as he shouldn't have any opponents in the OPBF. Kumi approaches Ippo and reveals that Mashiba's world title match has been decided. Kumi reveals to Ippo that [Mashiba told her that his world title match has been decided because he believes that he will win his next match, which is a match against Juan García to decide if he will fight for the world title or not. Ippo is shocked to hear the name of the boxer, recognising the name as the recently former lightweight world champion that is ranked second in the WBA, and is not someone weak. Ippo tries to calm a worried Kumi by saying that Mashiba will surely get a world title match if he beats Juan and Mashiba knows that he will beat the strong opponent, but it only worries Kumi more, as she wants Mashiba to come home with the least injuries as possible. Ippo is excited that Volg, Sendō, and Mashiba are making movements on the world stage, wishing for Miyata to do the same.

Fujii and Mari talking about the remaining boxers of the Makunouchi Generation.

While watching matches at the Kōrakuen Hall, Fujii asks Mari why, despite things heating up for Sendō and Mashiba, he feels so cooled off. Mari answers that it is because of Miyata, and Fujii explains it is because of Miyata's refusal to spread his wings and move up despite being the strongest of the Makunouchi generation, as Ippo made everyone but Miyata lose by knockout in the professional ring. While Mari points out that Miyata lost to Mashiba, Fujii claims that it was an accident, as Miyata's strength was enough for him to win, predicting that if Miyata won, he could have defeated Date and become the best of Japan. Fujii adds how Miyata is hiding a power that can beat anyone, as he ignores the rock-paper-scissors process of pros and cons when he fights and grabs a sudden knockout with a counter instead. Mari notes how Volg is the only one from the Makunouchi generation that has a world title, and even though Ippo defeat him, Sendō, and Mashiba, Volg seems to have the advantage in match up. Mari asks Fujii, since he calls the four boxers being from the "Makunouchi" generation, if he thinks that Ippo is the strongest. Fujii answers that Ippo is gone now, and some have gone to different weight classes, so there is no point in comparing them. Fujii adds that everyone in the generation has experienced true hardship, while Mari states how Miyata is the only one who has had such harsh weight control. Fujii agrees, wanting to know why Miyata won't move up a weight class like Volg or Mashiba. Fujii knows that it is because of Ippo's retirement, but Miyata will never admit it, however, he feels Miyata should stop loitering around in the featherweights forever. Walking away from the venue, Mari thinks how everyone's momentum has been building while Miyata's isn't, believing it to be the true loss of Japan's boxing. Mashiba begins his training for his next match, while Sendō is excited that his fist has finally healed.

Ippo showing how he throws the liver blow to Taihei.

Later, Ippo does roadwork with Taihei and Kintarō. During a break, Taihei asks about the left body blow, since he notices that everyone throws it differently. Ippo demonstrates how he throws it, pushing his left fist up from below Taihei's ribs. Taihei and Kintarō are shocked by how painful it was, wondering if Ippo could still win a match, however, Ippo believes that everyone he has fought and are still active are far ahead of him now.

Encouragement Party

Mashiba's encouragement party.

At a public bar, a encouragement party is being held for Mashiba. Mashiba's coach, Tanaka and his daughter, the Hell Society members, and Ippo, who was invited by Kumi are there as well. Mashiba's coach thanked Tanaka for continuing to support Mashiba and suggests for Mashiba to have a word for everyone who came. Mashiba only wants to know why Ippo came. Kumi explains that she invited him and that he knows a lot about Juan. Everyone asks Ippo about what he knows about Mashiba's next opponent, however, after a detailed description about him, and mentioning how a failed world title preliminary match can lead to retirement, everyone yells at Ippo for ruining the mood. After the party, Kumi proceeds to take Ippo home, while Tanaka has Mashiba take his daughter home.

Mashiba walking Rie to her home.

As Ippo and Kumi walks from the party, Kumi tells Ippo that the woman walking with Mashiba is the daughter of the owner of Tanaka Transportation, Rie Tanaka, and adds how great the company is, being the first people to accept him. Ippo thinks that Mashiba being serious about work makes him easy to be misunderstood, however, he notes that Mashiba works in order to protect Kumi. Kumi points out that it isn't always misunderstandings, since Mashiba used violence at times when any boy tried walking her home after school to keep them away. Ippo becomes frightened about Mashiba possibly being nearby and apologises for being a poor bodyguard, but Kumi reassures him that he is well-trusted. Rie mentions to Mashiba that he must trust Ippo since he is letting him take Kumi home. Mashiba denies trusting Ippo, only leaving them alone because Tanaka asked him to watch over her. Mashiba details his bond with Kumi to Rie on how he has been protecting her since their parents passed away, not allowing any man who can't protect her to be at her side, and he won't recognise any man who isn't stronger than he is.

Main Event - JBC Featherweight Title Match - Champion Kyōsuke Imai (Fourth Defence) VS. Challenger Hiroyuki Hoshi (JBC Rank 1)

Imai in the ring for his match against Hoshi.

Later, Ippo and Itagaki goes to the Kōrakuen Hall, where the main event is about to begin, consisting of a title match between JBC featherweight champion Imai and first ranker Hoshi. As the match between Imai and Hoshi is about to begin, the audience notices how the latter's right arm is big. Itagaki tells Ippo that Hoshi seems to have buffed his strengths rather than work on his weaknesses, predicting that Hoshi is planning on taking Imai head on with full power. Ippo believes Hoshi will land his punch and thinks that the plan was made by Sendō, figuring that since Hoshi doesn't have good technique, he avoided strategy and had Hoshi fight to knockout, which Ippo thinks that Sendō is using it as a trial run for his next match. Sendō notes to himself that Hoshi's loss to Itagaki happened as Itagaki didn't let Hoshi hit him, however, he knows that Imai's style is different, and eventually as the match goes on Hoshi's graze to Imai will turn into a punch.

Imai defeating Hoshi.

As the match begins, before the referee could even tell the two boxers to touch gloves, they rush towards each other, and Imai hits Hoshi with a right-on-right Cross Counter. With Hoshi slumped over, Imai hits him with a left hook. Hoshi grits his teeth and recovers as he almost fell down. Imai moves forward and knocks Hoshi's fist that was lifted away. Imai attempts to hit Hoshi with a right, however, Hoshi lands a right straight before Imai could connect. As Imai and Hoshi hit each other in three dual exchange back-to-back, Itagaki and Ippo wonder why Imai has not used his technique and has instead turned the match into a slugfest. Sendō isn't sure what is happening, but is glad that the match has entered Hoshi's territory. Hoshi and Imai continue to hit each other in dual exchanges. Hoshi and Imai hit each other with another dual exchange, resulting in Imai stumbling back. Ippo thinks Imai should not be fixated on his one round knockout streak, and to instead focus on his opponent. Hoshi dodges Imai's incoming right while landing a right of his own. The punch sends Imai to the ropes as Hoshi follows and attacks Imai's guard. Imai hits Hoshi with a counter, and Hoshi retaliates with a right that lands. After Imai lands a left uppercut, Hoshi hits Imai with a right Seiken that makes Imai slump over at the ropes. Imai stays standing after taking Hoshi's Seiken. Hoshi throws another Seiken, however, he gets hit by a right counter. With another Seiken being sent out, it grazes Imai, and Imai lands a liver blow that leaves Hoshi stunned from the pain. Imai delivers a combination on the defenceless Hoshi until the referee steps in and stops the match, resulting in Imai's victory.

Imai expressing his anger to Sendō about not being able to fight the Makunouchi Generation.

Sendō enters the ring and congratulates Imai since Hoshi couldn't say it due to being unconscious on a stretcher. Imai tells Sendō how furious that he that he came to challenge the Makunouchi Generation, not the "New Generation", but there isn't anyone left to fight him, refusing to accept them going to the world and OPBF stages until they fight him. Sendō realises that Imai, like Hoshi, feels left out, however, he suggests for Imai to tell Ippo those words.

Change of Plans

Ippo, Itagaki, and Sendō finding out that Ricardo's next opponent is Wally.

Ippo and Itagaki meet Sendō at the corridors, where Sendō informs them that his match against Ricardo has been finalised and Fujii and Mari has the details. Fujii and Mari, however, reveals to them that Ricardo called a press conference for his next match, but his next opponent isn't Sendō. Sendō complains to Fujii about the reveal, but Ippo stopped him and explained that while Ricardo said that whoever won between Sendō and Alfredo would be his opponent, Fujii is just stating what he heard from the press conference. Fujii asks Sendō if he received a contract from Ricardo's side or if it was a spoken agreement, which Sendō answers that it was an agreement between men, so he is sure he will be the one to fight Ricardo, however, Fujii notes that Ricardo is already contracted to fight someone else. Fujii reveals that the opponent is the third ranker in the WBA, former Indonesian champion Wally. Itagaki is surprised by Wally's 25 match record, which Fujii explains that Wally has been around the world fighting in matches where a lot of his fights weren't on TV, but the reporters have claimed that if there is anyone that could stand against the incredible Omega, it would be the unknown primordial Alpha. As Sendō complains about the situation, Yanaoka enters the room to talk about something related to Hoshi. Yanaoka tells Sendō to be quiet since Hoshi passed out. He informs Sendō that he knew that Ricardo was going to fight Wally instead of him since before Hoshi's match, believing that it is to let his right fist heal before they fight. Sendō gets angry and noisy, waking Hoshi up and having him come out. Sendō leaves with Hoshi to another room to talk to him.

Alpha

Wally arriving to the Marvelous gym and meeting Volg.

Later, at the Kamogawa gym, the gym members talk about the news of Ricardo fighting Wally instead of Sendō. Itagaki mentions how Ippo believes that Ricardo chose Wally because he and Sendō are like a wild animal, so he can create an anti-Sendō strategy. They think that Sendō can also see how Ricardo can go up against another wild animal, making the postponement a good thing. Ippo notices how they are talking like Ricardo will defeat Wally, but wonders if the match will really go that way. In Indonesia, Miguel finds Wally and tells him that they are going to go to their final stop as they set sail. Miguel and Wally arrive to the Marvelous Gym in New York City, New York, United States of America. There, they meet up with Dankichi and the IBF junior lightweight world champion Volg. Wally enters the Marvelous Gym, excited to see Volg. Volg is not as excited to be his sparring partner since he has an upcoming match as well, making it possible to not get out of unscathed. Dankichi explains to Miguel how he can't let them spar since they may get serious, however, he prepared three world rankers to swap out with Volg, adding that everyone respects Wally and him since challenging Ricardo is enough for one to recognise their courage. Volg informs Wally that he will be the main event for his own semi, and that they will be sharing the training camp. Dankichi welcomes Wally into "Team White Fang," and Volg gives him the team's shirt with a wolf logo on it to wear. Dankichi mentions to Volg how Wally can't be handled as an opponent, remembering how when they first met Wally, he was still growing with only three matches, but now they can see what kind of boxer he turned into.

Omega

Bill giving details about Wally to Ricardo.

Elsewhere, Bill details Wally's record to Ricardo, noting how he has a match or more per month, which makes it likely that he rarely gets hit while fighting despite not being a defensive boxer, and that he clearly enjoys himself while boxing. Ricardo asks about his one loss, which Bill answers that he has the video of that match, but due to the fact that Wally most likely loss due to the lack of experience, it won't be useful, however, he adds that Wally's opponent was Ippo. Hearing Ippo's name again, Ricardo thinks that it is as if the wheel of fate revolves around Ippo despite him being outside of it.

Distress

Mashiba not wanting to accept it.

Ippo does roadwork with Taihei and Kintarō, with the former having learned that Wally has teamed up with Volg in his training for his title match against Ricardo, thinking that it is a great idea. While on break, Ippo comments how Taihei and Kintarō are able to keep up now, which the duo replies that their goal is to surpass him. Taihei and Kintarō point out that there is one more week until Mashiba's world title preliminary match, and thinks how many boxers that are related to Ippo are on the world stage. They wonder how long Miyata is going to defend his OPBF title even though he was close to the world title. Later, at their house, Mashiba asks Kumi about the guys that asked her out at her hospital, noting that if a man has enough money, he is willing to accept him. Kumi answers that she turned them down. Mashiba tells her to bring a man who is stronger than him, or she will get kicked out, as he is the one looking after her and wants her to stop him from worrying about her. Kumi remembers bringing a man home, Ippo, however, Mashiba states that he is one that he hates the most. Kumi asks why he won't settle with Rie and when will he stop boxing, since if there is a chance that he can come home injured, she will stay with him. Thinking about her asking how long he will keep boxing, Mashiba refuses to accept it.

Semi-Final - Manabu Itagaki's Match - Main Event - Lightweight World Title Preliminary Match - Ryō Mashiba (WBA Rank 3) VS. Juan García (WBA Rank 2)

Mashiba in the ring for his match against Juan.

When the day of the matches arrive, Mashiba sits up after hearing the audience make noise while watching the current match, and his coach explains what is happening in the match. In the ring, Itagaki is down in the final eighth round after scoring two downs on his opponent before in the first round. Itagaki gets up and tries to get away from his opponent by running, however, he is damaged and unable to get away. His second, Ippo, yells for him to clinch, while Shinoda shouts to create a distance, causing Itagaki to get confused. Itagaki is pushed against the ropes by his opponent, blocking his punches. After Ippo and Shinoda tells Itagaki two different things again, Itagaki lands a weak punch on his opponent's face, while his head is blown back by his opponent's punch. Itagaki puts his guard back up tightly, waiting for the match to end as his opponent hits the guard. The match ends, and Itagaki wins the decision. As Itagaki and his seconds silently walk out of the ring to go back to their room, they meet Mashiba. Itagaki apologises for cooling down the arena, however, Mashiba claims that he will freeze it solid. As the main event is about to begin, Ippo meets up with Kumi in the audience area to watch the match. Juan and Mashiba arrive to the ring as their world title preliminary match is about to begin. Mashiba does a throat-slit pose towards the audience. Ippo realises that it was towards him since Mashiba is looking at him for being next to Kumi.

Juan landing the first punch of the match.

When the match begins, Mashiba takes an orthodox upright stance rather than his usual Hitman Style stance. Juan, who is also in an orthodox stance, takes it as a show of respect towards him. Mashiba sends a left jab at Juan. Juan lands a counter with an overhand. Juan's punch hits Mashiba's block. Ippo realises that the attack would have damaged Mashiba from the temple to his jaw if he used the Hitman Style, but since he used the orthodox upright stance, he was able to block easily. Juan notices that since Mashiba is staying far away, it makes his punches come one-by-one. As Mashiba uses footwork to get away, Juan goes to the centre of the ring and makes sudden movements to force Mashiba to go around the ring with his back against the ropes. Juan gets into his rhythm after catching Mashiba with a right to his guarded head, throwing lefts and rights at various angles to his guard while weaving side-to-side and mixing feints in.

Juan using the Open Handed Guard Crusher.

Juan weaves side-to-side in front of Mashiba, leaving the former guessing where he will come and attack from. Juan attacks from below, and Mashiba blocks the body blow. Juan had already stepped in before Mashiba could notice, and Juan releases multiple blows aiming at the body that Mashiba blocks. Juan throws a right overhand that hits Mashiba's block, however, as Juan's attack hits Mashiba's block, he grabs Mashiba's fist and shoves it away, opening his guard. Juan lands a body blow on Mashiba, who throws a wide left swing, making Juan stop attacking him. As Mashiba moves away from Juan, the latter throws punches while steadily moving forward. Mashiba realises that Juan's front leg takes a big step forward when he throws a punch, then draws his back leg in afterwards in a swift movement. With Mashiba's back at the ropes, Juan attacks Mashiba's guard at his body and feints a punch to the head that makes Mashiba try to block it and throw a counter, letting Juan land another body blow. Mashiba is confused on what to do, as he blocks Juan's attacks. Aoki thinks Mashiba should use his legs, but Kimura believes that Mashiba is determined that Juan can't be dealt with so easily, and the more Mashiba speeds up, the slower the communication between brain and body is, so waiting for a missed punch is all Mashiba can do. When Mashiba's guard lowers, Juan throws a feint to Mashiba's head, and as Mashiba guards his head, Juan lands another body blow. Mashiba reels over in pain, and as Juan is about to land a follow-up punch, the referee gets between them as the first round ends.

Mashiba remembering how he tasted that same hopelessness before.

At the corner, Juan could tell by his eyes that Mashiba won't easily go down, but is unfazed since he has more weapons unsheathed. Ippo is shocked to see Juan breathing so calmly, while even more shocked that Mashiba is having trouble breathing. Mashiba's chief second is grateful of Ippo's advice, and realises that the old Mashiba who would get in slugfests would have gotten beaten before the round was over. Mashiba thinks how he is at the same preliminary match point that Ippo gave up on, and he feels as if he has never felt as much of a hopeless gap in skill of beating people until now. He soon remembers that he has tasted that hopelessness before.

Mashiba's Chopping Right getting countered by Juan.

The second round begins as Mashiba remembers feeling hopeless against Miyata during the East Japan Rookie King Tournament semi-finals, but he remembers how he won after stepping on Miyata's foot, going by his own rules where anything goes. He believes he can win against Juan as well, feeling that he doesn't have to go by rules by someone else. Mashiba retreats as Juan rushes towards him. Juan catches up with him and hits him where he isn't guarding while feinting and countering when Mashiba tries to attack. Mashiba throws an uppercut to Chopping Right combination, but Juan dodged the uppercut and countered the Chopping Right. Ippo and Miyata wonder what they would do if they were Mashiba. Juan plans to end it when a knockout opportunity comes whether after he fully breaks Mashiba's guard or a gap opens up, since he wants the ticket to face the champion in order to get the title that was stolen from him. After hitting Mashiba and countering a retaliation, Juan pushes Mashiba to the ropes and attacks his guard.

Mashiba hitting Juan with a short uppercut.

The match goes in Juan's favour through round four, where he has Mashiba at the ropes again and attacking his guard. Mashiba questions himself as to why he hasn't fouled despite having multiple chances. Ippo notices that Mashiba dropped his guard, assuming that Mashiba's arms must be heavy by now. Ippo then becomes shocked. Mashiba begins to have intrusive thoughts, wanting to step on Juan's foot without caring what happens afterwards, however, he stops himself and jumps away from the ropes. With everyone cheering for him, Mashiba remembers that there is something more unforgivable than losing, as he thought he lost everything after his fight against Sawamura since he got banned due to fouling. Mashiba wishes to not betray everyone cheering for him and to use everything he learned in his career to surpass the obstacle and take everyone with him to the world stage, quitting his rebellious phase of biting back at the world's unreasonableness. Mashiba turns his body to side and puts his guard up, making it difficult for Juan to approach his chest. Mashiba throws jabs that Juan dodges until he gets close enough to get to Mashiba's chest. Mashiba raises his guard, making Juan think he is protecting his jaw while leaving his body open. Juan gets closer, however, he is hit by an unexpected right short uppercut.

Mashiba throwing Flicker Jabs at Juan.

Juan steps away from Mashiba in response to getting hit by a short uppercut, confused as to how he got hit and where the punch came from. Miyata notes how Mashiba made the punch unseeable due to the position of his long arms, Ippo believes it to be a punch thrown in a position that only Mashiba can do because of his body type, and Mashiba's coach thinks how Mashiba had to register the angle and position of Juan's feet when he steps in for the chance to hit, which took a lot of punishment to do. Juan, knowing he is out of range now, has regrouped. Mashiba enters his Hitman Style and throws Flicker Jabs at Juan. Juan blocks, but is surprised that he can hit from so far, previously thinking that he had his hitting range figured out. Juan blocks most of Mashiba's Flicker Jabs as he moves forward. After getting close enough to attack, Juan knocks one of Mashiba's Flicker Jabs down and prepares to throw a body blow. Mashiba tightens his guard, causing Juan to step back, as he remembered the last time he tried to hit him in close range while his guard was tight. The two boxers decide to have a middle range fight, where an even exchange occurs.

Mashiba follows Ippo advice and focuses on body blows against Juan.

After rounds four through six, round seven begins. At middle range, Juan counters Mashiba's Flicker Jab by throwing a punch that went along the inside of the Flicker Jab, causing Mashiba's knees to buckle. Mashiba blocks Juan's follow up combinations and then throws Flicker Jabs that hits Juan's block as he notices that Juan's guard is solid. Juan begins countering Mashiba's attacks as they hit his guard. Juan counters Mashiba's attacks that hit his block. Juan planned to hit Mashiba's body, however, he realises that he would have to get closer, which would leave him open for another short uppercut. After getting hit by another counter, Mashiba thinks of his desire to win, wishing someone would tell him how to defeat Juan. Ippo shouts to Mashiba that he can still do it, causing Mashiba to get angry that he didn't shout any advice. Mashiba, thinking of the word "advice," throws a punch at Juan from below. Mashiba remembers when Ippo told him about how Juan has a high guard, leaving his body open to body blows. Mashiba throws multiple body blows on Juan through the gap below his high guard, leaving Juan in pain, and Mashiba angry that something Ippo told him works. Juan guards his body and backs away to regroup, however, a Flicker Jab hits him and makes his jaw go up. Mashiba throws Flicker Jabs from the centre of the ring. Juan is only able to block some of the jabs while trying to find a safe zone to recover. Juan goes forward and gets close to Mashiba's body to avoid getting hit from the Flicker Jabs, however, he is hit by the short uppercut from his blind spot. Mashiba immediately sends out a Chopping Right. Juan counters it with a right, making Mashiba's head fly up.

Mashiba hitting Juan with a decisive Chopping Right.

As Mashiba begins to fall, Juan prepares a follow-up punch. After Mashiba remembers how Kumi has been protecting him, he realises that he has to do better so that Kumi can peacefully leave their home without worrying about him, refusing to accept himself if he can't be a man worth to be proud of. Mashiba recovers and counters Juan's left with a right uppercut. As Mashiba prepares his Chopping Right, Juan throws a right of his own, however, he loses his footing, delaying his throw, which causes him to get hit. Surprised that Juan is still looking to fight after the last attack, Mashiba prepares a final rush as he himself is at his limits. Mashiba throws combinations at the defenceless Juan until the referee stops him and signals an end to the match, resulting in Mashiba winning by knockout in the seventh round.

After the Match

Mashiba yelling at Ippo.

As Mashiba's seconds congratulate him in the ring, Mashiba thinks of how he thought the match was over many times, blowing away previous thoughts of anyone who can't win through slugfests is a quitter with no strength, and that the world stage is not a place where one can go and and stand by oneself. Mashiba acknowledges that the matches Ippo fought were like the one he just fought, realising that he used up all he had and was finished, making Ippo not a quitter, but an incredible man. While Mashiba's seconds are excited to go to the world stage, Mashiba has something to say. Mashiba doesn't accept that he is the world's best yet since he just earned the right to challenge the world champion and is not a brother Kumi can be proud of nor like Ippo, who sees through everything to the end. As the interviewer gives Mashiba the microphone, Mashiba sees Ippo being too close to Kumi and starts yelling at him until he loses balance and almost falls. Mashiba is taken out of the ring with the help of his seconds to go to the doctor. Rie tells Kumi to go with Mashiba, thinking that Kumi and Mashiba are an incredible siblings.

Iga and Miyata discussing the match between Mashiba and Juan.

Elsewhere in the audience, Miyata begins to leave as Iga comments to him how Juan's failed counter against the Chopping Right was mere luck. Miyata counters, noting that in his experience, he knows the counter would have never landed due to Juan's legs being damaged. Iga expresses his disagreement that Mashiba can take the world title at that level, thinking that he can beat Mashiba now, but Miyata claims how after seeing Mashiba's body blow and him knowing the effects of accumulated damage, it is difficult to think Mashiba is only at "that level". Iga asks Miyata if he is okay with Mashiba going higher without a chance of redeeming the humiliation Mashiba did to him. Miyata replies that he hopes Mashiba keeps going higher, to something one can also seize for themselves. Outside the Kōrakuen Hall, Kimura asks Ippo what Mashiba said when he had to mic. Ippo couldn't understand his words but thinks he was telling Kumi that he will do his best in his world title match. Ippo believes that Kumi, his gym staff, and his fans are what made Mashiba the way his is now, and that the day that Mashiba's name won't just be known in the boxing world and that the world recognises him will surely come.

Ippo getting a call from Sendō to go with him to Mexico to see Wally and Volg's matches.

At the Naniwa Boxing Club, Sendō, having just watched Mashiba's match on TV, hears from the gym's coach that Wally might just beat Ricardo before he has a chance to. Sendō asks about the chance of Wally winning, which Yanaoka answers that while he doesn't see Ricardo losing, Wally is a wild card. Ippo receives a phone call from Sendō, who tells him to get ready to travel in order to see Wally and Volg's match. Ippo accepts the invitation. While doing roadwork with Taihei and Kintarō, Ippo tells them that he is going back to Mexico and is excited to see the people who he crossed paths with going higher and fighting where monsters reign. Taihei and Kintarō think that since Ippo beat the boxers that he is talking about, that makes him the real monster.