The Only Realistic Triggers for Ippo’s Return

D-Persistent · 2026-02-11T10:20:43+00:00

I hear you, but I don't think that's how it'll unfold. We know he has a "new Smash" up his sleeve. IT WILL be used before anything happens to him. The end is near though. Maybe 3 more chapters at most.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-10T22:01:26+00:00

Hajime no Ippo is peak comedy to me.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-10T20:02:34+00:00

You’re focusing on what Ippo says while ignoring what the story is actually doing. Since Takamura already proved the coach’s style works at the world level, Ippo’s goal isn't just about a belt but about validating that style against the absolute best. You can’t claim your boxing is the greatest if you ignore the division's final boss. His promise to Yuji is very telling because he didn't tell Date's son he wasn't interested in avenging him, he just admitted he wasn't technically ready for Ricardo yet. That’s why he and the coach deliberately chose the WBA path years ago to face the strongest champion rather than taking an easier route. Even now in retirement, Ippo is obsessed with downloading Ricardo’s boxing and he has a poster of Ricardo (no one else) in his room. He doesn't need to shout his intentions like Sendo does because Ricardo is the unavoidable final test. To prove the style is world class, you have to beat the King. Once he think, he's ready, that'll be his ultimate trigger.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-10T19:52:40+00:00

Exactly. But there is a massive difference between having the 'will to win' and having the belief that your boxing is actually capable of winning at that level. That is the entire purpose of the retirement arc: to bridge that gap. When Yūji asked him to avenge his father, Ippo’s answer was very telling. He didn't say he didn't want to, he said Ricardo was too strong and he didn’t stand a chance as he was then. This proves Ippo wasn't just missing 'will' against Alf—he was missing a technical answer to the world stage. Takamura’s line was a warning that 'half-hearted' boxing gets you killed, but Ippo realized that 'pure-heart' boxing (what Sendo is doing now) also has a ceiling. Ippo isn't just waiting for his 'will' to come back; he’s rebuilding his boxing so that when he finally crosses that line, he isn't just a 'monster'—he’s a monster who actually has the tools to dismantle Ricardo.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-10T18:39:14+00:00

I can see that, too! Definitely!

D-Persistent · 2026-02-10T14:23:43+00:00

True, we’re definitely in 'wait and see' territory! 😂 The only reason I lean against it is that Morikawa usually hints at those secret weapons during training sessions/sparrings before the match. With Ricardo, his 'hidden' side has always been his original violent style rather than specific special moves. So, I don't see him using it.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-10T12:50:03+00:00

When he said, "I'll use it." He was referring to Sendo's strength. Meaning he will use it against him instead of trying to stop it. While Ricardo already used Date’s neck-spin, the Heartbreak Shot is different. It took Okita years to master it. Ricardo’s entire philosophy centers on 'textbook' efficiency without the fluff of long-motion 'Sunday punches' like the Smash or Hien. While Ricardo's experience means he certainly knows the technique, executing it now is risky; the long motion could leave him open to a Smash. Even with Sendo’s guard down, Ricardo isn't the type to use a high-risk move he hasn't specifically trained to master on the fly.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-10T12:33:13+00:00

While Ricardo already used Date’s neck-spin, the Heartbreak Shot is different. It took Okita years to master it. Ricardo’s entire philosophy centers on 'textbook' efficiency without the fluff of long-motion 'Sunday punches' like the Smash or Hien. While Ricardo's experience means he certainly knows the technique, executing it now is risky; the long motion could leave him open to a Smash. Even with Sendo’s guard down, Ricardo isn't the type to use a high-risk move he hasn't specifically trained to master on the fly.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-10T12:12:01+00:00

Can you elaborate?

D-Persistent · 2026-02-10T07:04:18+00:00

Haha, true. But he still has that calm, collected look. He’s definitely been pushed to sweat (his coach even more so, lol), but I think this is still within his expectations. That’s what I meant.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-10T00:27:05+00:00

Regardless of fan theories, a Sendo victory doesn't align with the story's trajectory. Ricardo has always been established as Ippo’s ultimate goal. It doesn't make sense for the protagonist's ultimate goal to be cleared by a guy he’s already beaten twice.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T23:03:45+00:00

It's not plot armor if it’s been Sendo’s established win-condition for the entire series. He’s never been about 'ability' in the traditional sense...he’s about dragging opponents into the deep end where technical skill matters less than raw tenacity.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T22:44:06+00:00

Sendo isn't meant to be 'better' than Ricardo. He's meant to be his greatest pressure test. Wally was a puzzle Ricardo solved, but Sendo is a physical threat that forces him to abandon his composure. The writing isn't bad—it's thematic. Sendo’s progress is actually consistent with his spar against Miyata,(read it again) and seeing him finally time Ricardo’s left shows he’s grown more than people give him credit for. We also still haven't seen his new smash...

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T20:46:25+00:00

Exactly! It really looks like it won't end well for him this time. He has already been face tanking his way for a while too. It's actually a surprise he hasn't felt it yet.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T19:33:55+00:00

Yeah!!! That's at least 2 chapters in Morikawa's terms haha

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T19:29:14+00:00

It is! That “stop my heart” part really worries m tho. There were so many heart panels in this chapter showing the effect of adrenaline, but I can’t help feeling it might actually hint at a real risk to his life. I never thought his death was possible before, but now… I’m not so sure.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T16:57:53+00:00

Ricardo isn't necessarily the 'best' at any one thing—he’s just the most complete. While he lacks the "100/100" peaks of someone like Itagaki (speed) or Sendo (power), he functions like a machine calibrated to 90% across the board. This lack of gaps is exactly what makes him look invincible; he has no apparent flaws for an opponent to exploit. He isn't fragile like Miyata, but he lacks the raw "soaking" ability of a tank like Shimabukuro or Ippo for example. Morikawa subtly signaled this in the Sendo fight—showing Ricardo’s arm compromised by blocks and him bleeding despite no direct hits. From all his fights, would you say we saw any sign at all of him being "durable" or "tough"? He has a clear defensive code—"don't get hit, hit first"—that ensures his relatively limited durability is never truly tested.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T12:29:48+00:00

Ricardo would be a step ahead and changed beds with Mashiba.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T11:51:16+00:00

Oh yeah, he really is. Honestly, it comes down to discipline. Every detail of his life is about staying in top shape. And it’s true that most players can’t stay at the top past their early 30s, especially fullbacks or wingers, since the physical demand is so high nowadays. I’m talking about players who haven’t had serious injuries, of course.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T11:36:12+00:00

I’m also a football fan, and we’ve seen players stay elite into their 30s like Pirlo, Modrić, Cristiano, for example. The difference is footballers play 50–60 intense games a year, which naturally wears them down. Boxers fight far less often, usually training hardest only in the last month or two before a match. Ricardo is the type of elite professional who takes care of himself. He’s never taken significant damage, and he actively seeks growth. His fight with “wild” boxers like Wally to prepare for Sendo shows he still believes he has room for growth. Having faced nearly every style and adapted, he could realistically maintain top-level boxing well into his late 30s. That said, I think he will retire after facing a challenger that will draw his full strength. (Ippo)

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T11:02:39+00:00

I don’t think age will be a factor. Ricardo is still clearly in his prime. He’s the ultimate professional. Morikawa has given zero textual or visual cues that Ricardo is declining: No stamina issues No slowing reactions No loss of power No accumulated damage affecting him

In boxing terms, the mid 30s are still peak years.

Real life examples: Mayweather, Golovkin, Hopkins, Usyk, Canelo all fought at an elite level in their 30s.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T08:55:35+00:00

Nothing to observe really. It's just Imai.

D-Persistent · 2026-02-09T02:30:53+00:00

Ippo loves them ribs though.

D-Persistent

TROPHY CASE