Phantom Card Arc

Phantom Card Arc
Information
Volumes	64-67, (4 Volumes)
Manga Rounds	593-624, (35 Chapters)
Chronology
Previous	Under Siege Arc
Next	Father's Back Arc

The Phantom Card Arc, is the twenty-eighth story arc in the series and the third in the Law of the Ring Saga.

The heated rivalry between Manabu Itagaki and Kyōsuke Imai on who is the better fighter since their amateur days will finally be decided in the East Japan Rookie King Tournament finals, where they will be facing each other for the first time in a professional ring.

Summary

Anxiety

Volg fighting Thompson.

At the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Ippo and Itagaki watches Volg's match against the IBF junior lightweight fourth world ranker, Eric Thompson in Las Vegas on TV, which ends in Volg's victory by knockout. Itagaki shows Ippo the current monthly WBC rankings where he is placed twelfth, implying that Ippo can think about a world title match, however, Ippo explains that a world title match is beyond him. Itagaki argues that Volg, who lost to him, his doing good on the world stage, but Ippo points out how the last time he sparred against him, he got knocked out, and when he sparred against WBA featherweight world champion Ricardo Martínez, he lost consciousness. Itagaki asks if Ippo has ever imagined the world title belt around his waist, but Ippo has not. Ippo states how when he watched Volg's match, he kept thinking how much he envies boxer types, as they can fight from far away and switch to in-fighting if they need to, and they have a lot of options in how they can fight that can lead to victory. As Ippo reminds Itagaki that the East Japan Rookie King Tournament finals against Imai is arriving soon, Itagaki claims that he will win by knockout and end their high school rivalry.

Broccoman loses the popularity vote.

At the Kamogawa gym while talking about Itagaki's rivalry with Imai, Takamura comments how Itagaki will lose to him again, and if he wins, Kimura and him will lose their bet and have to pay Ippo. As Aoki is angry at Takamura for feeding him the pickled squid that made him sick and is tired of Takamura's actions, he tries to split the gym into two factions, with Takamura being alone and Aoki and the rest of the gym along with him as Broccoman having the children of Japan on his side. Aoki's side changes from a lot of support to none when Yagi and Shinoda reveals to everyone about how Broccoman's popularity has severely gone down due to recent reports of Aoki leaving the Kōrakuen Hall while covered in faeces. When Aoki wonders how others found out since it was recent, he gets angry and runs away when Takamura implies it was him. At the Monthly Boxing Fan, Fujii is discussing with his fellow reporters about Itagaki and Imai's East Japan Rookie King Tournament finals and how the two have the most skill and potential out of all weight classes. After asking for predictions and hearing Mari's prediction of a 8-2 in Imai's favour, Fujii gives his thoughts, claiming that Ippo demonstrated a way to beat an out-boxer a few days ago, and that after watching that, Itagaki may not think he can do it. With Itagaki worried about his upcoming match against Imai and how everyone thinks Imai will win, Ippo helps raise his spirits by telling him what he was taught from Kamogawa to believe in himself, however, he admits that the hardest person for him to have faith in is himself. When Kumi arrives to congratulate Ippo on his recent victory, Itagaki reveals to them of Imai's request to introduce Nanako to him if he wins, which Ippo and Kumi realised that Ippo would never be able to challenge Mashiba for her. As Itagaki goes off to start doing roadwork Kumi plans to go cheer with Ippo for Itagaki until Nanako approaches them and hugs Ippo, making Kumi want Nanako to fall into the enemy Imai's hands.

Harsh Truth

Ippo visiting Umezawa after his manga got a reward.

Ippo and Itagaki notice that Umezawa's one-shot debut manga, "Ma Ichibō Get You!!" (マ一坊 GET YOU！！), has won a reward. They go to Umezawa's home to congratulate him. When Umezawa learns that Itagaki is going to fight in the East Japan Rookie King Tournament finals, Umezawa remembers when Ippo was partaking in it and laughs after hearing that Itagaki's opponent, Imai, is the favoured one to win since it was like that with Ippo. While Ippo goes to the bathroom, Umezawa reveals to Itagaki that Ippo hasn't changed at all in that he still sees himself as the challenger despite being the champion. Umezawa notes that that is why it is hard for him to catch up with him. When Ippo gets back and Itagaki leaves, Ippo tells Umezawa how worried he is about Itagaki facing Imai. Umezawa suggests for him to give Itagaki advice since he went through the same tournament by telling Itagaki what gave him trouble before as an in-fighter. Ippo stresses that in-fighters are not all the same, making what worked on him may not work on other in-fighters. Umezawa insists that Itagaki will win, and that he will go and cheer him on.

Itagaki thinking his fists are small after watching Imai's matches.

Later, at the Itagaki household, Nanako reveals to her father and mother that Itagaki bet on her in his match against Imai, the father expresses how he wished for Nanako to have Ippo instead of Imai. However, when he and his wife learns that Imai comes from a rich family, they plead for Nanako to marry Imai so that they don't have to pay her college tuition. Itagaki goes to his room and reviews recordings of Imai's matches. Realising that an exchange is inevitable, Itagaki wishes he had more power, as he sees his fists as incredibly small.

Itagaki being advised to fight Imai at close range by Ippo.

A week before his match against Imai, Itagaki has his last spar which was against Ippo. Ippo gets immediately caught off guard by Itagaki's improved speed and his hedgehog-like punches, however, Ippo could read his punches. The spar ends without a knockout, and Ippo claims that Itagaki is well prepared. Afterwards, Ippo goes to the rooftop, where Takamura suggests for him to tell Itagaki the truth that he would lose by knockout to Imai if he does not change his strategy. Itagaki, being told by Kamogawa to see what Ippo and Takamura are talking about overhears part of the conversation and questions Ippo. Takamura ends up telling him that he lacks unpredictability, and Ippo adds that he believed that Itagaki should enter an in-fight with Imai to throw off his rhythm as it troubles Ippo when it is done to him. Itagaki becomes concerned and confused as to what to do. At Kamogawa's office, Takamura discusses with Kamogawa how it would be boring if they have an easy match, due to wanting an answer of who would have been stronger between Ippo and Miyata if they fought in the East Japan Rookie King tournament, which Kamogawa deems it the "Phantom Card".

While Imai is training at the Otowa gym, he is informed by his coach that Makoto Maezono has won the West Japan Rookie King Tournament, being warned that he is a Southpaw. Imai reminds his coach that the East Japan Rookie King Tournament isn't done yet. While his coach insists he has nothing to worry about given the fact that Imai has defeated Itagaki three times in high school, Imai refuses to underestimate Itagaki. When Itagaki's weigh-in with Imai arrives, he goes to the Kōrakuen Hall, where he meets Imai and mentions that he has another reason to beat him as Nanako claimed that she doesn't have any interest in going out with him. Imai claims to have forgotten about their previous bet, since all he was thinking about was beating him. That night, at the Chūka Soba, Ippo, Takamura, Aoki, and Kimura discuss about Itagaki and Imai's match, where Takamura comments how Ippo's advice to fight in close range doesn't just mean to have a slugfest, and it will be Itagaki's decision alone whether he fights close range or not.

East Japan Rookie King Tournament - Finals - Manabu Itagaki vs. Kyōsuke Imai

Takamura meeting Miyata at Itagaki and Imai's match

With the East Japan Rookie King Tournament finals match between Itagaki and Imai about to begin, Itagaki's parents, Nanako, Kumi, and Umezawa sit with each other to prepare cheering for Itagaki. While waiting for his match to begin, Itagaki gets encouraged to win by Takamura, Aoki, Kimura, and Ippo before the four leaves to the audience seats. Even though Imai is already waiting in the ring, Itagaki stays a bit longer in his room to focus. Imai's coach complains to the Kōrakuen Hall staff since Itagaki is late, wondering if he is too scared to come out. After running to the ring and is waiting for the gong to sound, Itagaki makes his decision on whether he will in-fight or use footwork. Takamura finds Miyata away from the audience seats, getting ready to watch the match. Miyata tells Takamura how he came because they are in the same weight class, and notes that Itagaki and Imai have a resemblance to himself and Ippo. Takamura asks Miyata what he would have done against Ippo in the past. Miyata claims he didn't know, but he knows how he would fight him if he fought him now. However, since he isn't the one fighting currently, he wants to see what Itagaki's choices and decision are.

Itagaki deciding to in-fight against Imai.

The match begins, Itagaki uses his footwork and fast lefts as Imai chases him, dodging and blocking Itagaki's lefts. Dodging Imai's punches, Itagaki soon begins to land precise lefts through small gaps in Imai's guard. After Itagaki gets pushed back when he blocked one of Imai's punches and Itagaki's lefts only hit Imai's block, Imai decreases his speed and hardens his block while Itagaki increases his speed and throws more lefts to find a hole in his block to land a right. When Imai opens his guard, Itagaki takes the chance and throws a right. However, Imai predicts it and throws a body blow that Itagaki barely dodges. Realising that running away won't make him win, Itagaki decides to fight Imai in close ranged in-fighting, pushing his body onto Imai. Itagaki quickly notices the difference of their strength as Imai slowly pushes him back. After being pushed back, Itagaki hits Imai with a right uppercut. Itagaki changes his stance to lean forward and shift his weight to his front feet. At close range, Itagaki dodges Imai's punches, and, after hitting him with a counter, Itagaki pushes into Imai's body with a stance lower than his. Itagaki hits Imai with body blows and dodges an uppercut before hitting him with a counter. As Itagaki was about to hit Imai with another punch, the gong sounds to end the first round, showing a victory pose before going to his corner. At the corner, Itagaki rejoices how he scared Imai to Shinoda, who asks if Itagaki forgot his own style and notes that fighting Imai at close range is risky. Itagaki claims to not have forgotten his own style and knew that he would have lasted throughout the first round in close range. At Imai's corner, Imai tells his coach that Itagaki will keep coming at him, which was his intention from the start, so he plans to face him head on.

Itagaki and Imai in-fighting.

In the second round, Itagaki continues to fight in close range, hitting Imai with a left and barely dodging Imai's hook. Itagaki uses his footwork to get out of range and dodge Imai's punches while stepping back in to throw his own at close range, mixing both in-fighting and out-boxing. After hitting Imai with a counter and combinations, Itagaki lands a punch that knocks Imai back. Stepping forward to attack once more, Itagaki is hit suddenly by Imai for the first time in the match. Despite getting hit, Itagaki steps forward and attacks Imai's block. Both boxers dodge each others punches while Itagaki is excited to see the same view Ippo sees while in-fighting. After their heads collide, causing Itagaki to receive a cut, Itagaki hits Imai with left and right combos until the second round ends. Walking to his corner, Imai is puzzled by how much Itagaki changed since his amateur days. At Itagaki's corner, Itagaki can only think about wanting to see more of the world Ippo sees while in-fighting. Shinoda and his team fixes up a cut on Itagaki's forehead before he headed out for round three. Shinoda was unable to give Itagaki advice, as he thinks it would like calming a racing horse that is ready to go. He notices Itagaki is excited in his first venture of close range fighting, making Shinoda believe that there is something changing inside of Itagaki.

When the third round begins, Itagaki and Imai proceed to enter an in-fight exchange, with Itagaki dodging and throwing counters when he sees the chance. During the exchange, Itagaki gets hit with two body blows, however, Itagaki is still able to continue fighting and dodging at close range. Itagaki's cut on his head bled after their heads collided again. Itagaki uses the Hedgehog while at close range, pushing Imai back as he is unable to guard against all of the punches. With Imai pushes back to the ropes, Itagaki and Imai enter an exchange at close range, with both boxers landing multiple hits until the third round ends. At the corner, Itagaki makes a pun while telling Shinoda how bad Imai's liver blows hurt. At Imai's corner, Imai reflects on how amazing Itagaki is, however, he wishes to show him that he isn't the only one who has learned to fight like a pro.

Shinoda giving Itagaki the ultimate words of "Gattsu de Gattsun Gattsun da."

In the fourth round, Itagaki attacks Imai at close range, hitting Imai's guard while Imai doesn't attack. When Itagaki sees an attack coming, he guards his face, however, when Imai's attack hits Itagaki's guard, the impact still makes Itagaki off balance. Itagaki continues to attack until he sees another attack coming that makes his legs shake upon impact despite blocking his face. While barely dodging Imai's attacks, Itagaki lands a counter that leaves Imai open for more attacks. When Imai regains his footing, Itagaki is hit with a powerful blow on the face before getting hit again with an uppercut. When another attack was coming toward him, Itagaki dives into Imai and blocks his punch before hitting Imai in the face. After hitting Imai two more times, Itagaki gets hit with a body blow that almost makes him fall. Itagaki catches himself and attacks Imai's guard until the fourth round ends. At the corner, as Itagaki's spirits are down, Shinoda notices, and Itagaki receives empowering words of "Gattsu de Gattsun Gattsun da!!" ("ガッツでガッツンガッツンだ!!") from Shinoda. Itagaki responds with a pun of his own to Shinoda before leaving the corner. Before heading out for the fifth round, Imai gets encouraged by his coach to build up power and let loose, as he only needs one hit.

Itagaki and Imai hit each other in a dual exchange.

In the fifth round, Itagaki is brought to the ropes by Imai's punches as Itagaki has slowed down. Itagaki barely dodges Imai's attacks at the ropes by hanging onto the ropes and lessen the damage of another attack by rolling the punch with his head. Itagaki sees a liver blow coming and tries to lean onto the rope to create distance to dodge, however, Imai holds the rope forward to prevent that from happening and Itagaki gets hit by the liver blow. Itagaki tries to block Imai's punches afterwards, however, his guard breaks and he is hit with multiple punches. As he gets hit with a powerful left, Itagaki remembers how hard his gym mates fought when things got tough and Shinoda's words from earlier, giving him strength to fight back and hit Imai. Itagaki and Imai have an exchange, with both hitting each other until Itagaki is the only one getting hit until the fifth round ends. As Itagaki was about to fall near his corner after the gong rang, he gets saved by Yagi's expert skill in placing the chair down, which caught his fall. Yagi exclaims a pun of "this chair is nice" (Ima no Isu, Na~isu (今のイス、ナ～イス)), resulting in a scolding from Kamogawa and a glare from Shinoda. Itagaki is unconscious and the referee was about to end the match until Ippo arrives, waking Itagaki go back to his senses. As Imai sees Ippo at Itagaki's corner, he gets fired up to take Itagaki down.

The end of Itagaki's match against Imai.

At the start of the final sixth round, Itagaki and Imai touch gloves. Itagaki lands his hit first with a left overhand. Itagaki gets hit with a body blow that almost makes him fall before catching himself before both boxers hit each other in a dual exchange. After receiving combinations, Itagaki falls down. Not wanting to look bad in front of his senpais and being proud to be their kōhai, Itagaki stands up. Remembering what Imai said to him about what they are looking forward to is different, he contemplates that what they have seen is what is different. With one minute remaining, Itagaki blocks and dodges Imai's barrage of punches until one finally connects. As Itagaki begins to lose his footing, he remembers what Ippo would do: attack. He throws a barrage of punches before losing all of his strength. Imai tries to hit the defenceless Itagaki, however, his fist couldn't reach him. The gong sounds for the match and Itagaki falls onto Imai's held out fist, hanging onto to it with his body.

Itagaki being held up in celebration of his victory.

Itagaki listens to the results of his match, which ends in his victory by one point, making Itagaki the East Rookie King. Itagaki is thrown up into the air in celebration by his kōhai. As Imai leaves the ring, he notices Itagaki celebrating with his gym mates, and thinks that the difference between them is that they put themselves in different environments, where Itagaki trains with real professionals. As Takamura is about to leave, he asks Miyata if he got his answer on what would happen if he fought Ippo in the tournament. Miyata claims that since people are different, an accurate comparison is impossible, and that no matter how many times he thinks of what would happen, it changes nothing, with the only way he would have an answer is if he fought him again. Before being transported to the hospital, Itagaki thanks Ippo for saying to not lose, something he heard just by looking at his expression when Ippo went to him after the fifth round. As Ippo stays to watch the Rookie King award ceremony, he becomes proud of Itagaki as his award gets announced for the most valuable fighter.

Phantom Promise

Ippo asking Kamogawa to relinquish his JBC title.

After leaving the Kōrakuen Hall with Kamogawa and Yagi, Ippo meets Sendō and the recent West Japan Rookie King Tournament winner, Hiroyuki Hoshi. Hoshi asks Sendō if he wants to fight Ippo again one day, which the latter expresses his desire to fight Ippo a third time when he gets stronger, but Hoshi wants to fight Ippo before he does. Yagi mentions that he has no right to, as he is unranked. Hoshi responds that once he defeats Itagaki at the All Japan Rookie King Tournament, he would have the right soon enough. After Sendō and Hoshi leaves, Kamogawa warns Ippo, who is worried about Itagaki, that the head that he is aiming for is his and that others like him will rise high, instructing him that he needs to concentrate in order to keep defending the JBC title. Ippo asks Kamogawa how long he has to keep defending, wanting to relinquish the title and fight Miyata as watching the same tournament where he was supposed to fight him left an impact on him. Kamogawa tells him he will inform the boxing commission of his intention to relinquish the title in a few days and at the same time, request a challenge to the OPBF champion, Miyata. Ippo excitedly thanks Kamogawa.

Kamogawa calling Miyata to schedule a match between Ippo and Miyata.

At the Kamogawa gym, Kamogawa calls the Kawahara gym to talk with Miyata's father. As he already knew what the call would be about, Kamogawa and him agrees to have a match between Ippo and Miyata in Spring, as Miyata has an upcoming OPBF title defence in January. After the call, Kamogawa expresses his excitement to Yagi about the inevitable match. Miyata, as he overheard his father's conversation, thanks him for accepting Kamogawa's request. Ippo goes to the Kawai Hospital to see Itagaki. Ippo congratulates and expresses how envy he is about Itagaki fighting his rival in the tournament. When Ippo claims that Itagaki and Imai seemed like friends since Imai held Itagaki to prevent him from falling at the end, Itagaki tells Ippo to take that back. Imai comes in the room and gives Itagaki tapes of the Western Rookie King, Hoshi's matches. Itagaki remembers their promise they made before the match and orders Imai to kneel down and apologise, which he was about to do until Nanako arrives, making him leave as Imai didn't want her to see him do that. Before leaving Imai says that he will postpone their promise until the next time they meet in the ring. Itagaki promises that he will win by knockout.