Inside the Kamogawa gym, Coach Kamogawa strode into the center, holding two items that immediately caught the attention of everyone present: a folded newspaper and a schedule book.
"Gather around, you knuckleheads!" Kamogawa yelled. Ippo, Alex, and the others quickly made their way over, curiosity lighting up their faces.
Kamogawa handed the newspaper to Alex, who unfolded it with mild interest. The bold headline across the sports section immediately caught his eye:
"MIYATA'S STUNNING DEBUT: KNOCKOUT IN ROUND ONE!"
Beneath it was a picture of Miyata, standing triumphantly over his opponent, who lay sprawled on the canvas. Alex's eyes narrowed as he read the article, which described Miyata's potential and skills that ended the fight within two minutes.
Ippo leaned over Alex's shoulder, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Wow, Miyata's debut is a hit all over Japan! Look at that! He knocked the guy out cold!"
Alex smirked, folding the newspaper with a nonchalant air. "I can do better than that," he murmured, half to himself.
Ippo chuckled nervously, not sure whether Alex was joking or serious.
Kamogawa handed the schedule book to Ippo, who opened it eagerly. Inside was a list of professional boxing events, with one particular bout circled in red: Takamura Mamoru vs. Hirano Kenta.
"It's Takamura-san's match!" Ippo exclaimed, holding the book up for Alex to see.
Alex glanced at the entry, then looked at Ippo with a grin. Without saying a word, the two exchanged a tacit understanding: they would watch Takamura, cheering him on and pacing their own training to feel what it was like to live and breathe as a professional boxer.
Kōrakuen HallThe stadium was alive with energy as Ippo and Alex arrived, their seats offering a great view of the ring. They were amazed to see how full the venue was, with fans filling the seats, their voices blending into a deafening roar.
"This is incredible," Ippo said, his eyes wide with amazement. "So many people came to see Takamura-san!"
Alex crossed his arms, nodding in agreement. "Pro boxing gives a different energy. Just being here gives me chills."
The lights dimmed as the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… TAKAMURA MAMORU!"
Takamura emerged from the tunnel, a leather jacket draped over his broad shoulders. On the back of the jacket was a striking hawk design, its wings spread wide as if ready to take flight. The crowd erupted in cheers as Takamura walked to the ring, exuding confidence with every step.He paused at the ring apron, shrugged off his jacket to reveal his sculpted physique, and flexed for the crowd. Cameras flashed as fans screamed his name.
"Man, Takamura-san really knows how to put on a show," Alex said, shaking his head with a grin.But I believe I can do better.
Ippo, not hearing what Alex was saying, and slightly embarrassed by the spectacle, couldn't help but smile. "He's amazing…"
Moments later, Hirano Kenta entered, wearing a robe adorned with floral patterns. He waved to the crowd, handing flowers to a few fans before stepping into the ring. Hirano's demeanor was calm and collected, but his eyes lit with fire as he faced Takamura.
After the pre-fight formalities, the referee stepped forward. "Touch gloves."
Neither fighter moved to comply. Takamura smirked, his hands resting confidently at his sides, while Hirano stood stoically, his guard already half-raised.
"Fine," the referee muttered. "Box!"The bell rang, and Hirano wasted no time, immediately went to the center and snapping out a jab. Takamura raised his guard, blocking it with ease. Hirano threw another jab, then another.To read how Takamura would react.
By the time he had thrown his seventh jab, Ippo's nerves were already frazzled. "Why isn't Takamura-san throwing back?" his voice tight with worry.
Alex, on the other hand, leaned back in his seat, perfectly relaxed. "Relax, Ippo. Takamura's just playing with him. He's testing the waters."
In the ring, Hirano advanced with confidence. After his barrage of jabs, he unleashed a vicious three-punch combination: a lead hook to the face, followed by another hook, and then yet another lead hook. Each blow was aimed to break Takamura's guard, but Takamura remained composed, his defense impenetrable.
Hirano, frustrated by Takamura's unshakable defense, threw a powerful cross aimed straight at his opponent's chin. Takamura raised his hand in time, blocking it effortlessly.Hirano's eyes widened. He had expected Takamura to counter, but nothing came. Anticipating a retaliation, Hirano raised his own guard in a tight cross-arm block.Takamura dipped low to his right, feinting with his body movement. Then, he unleashed a ferocious right hook. The swing was so powerful that it created a gust of wind, causing the audience to gasp audibly.
The hook missed by a hair, but the sheer force of the attempt sent Hirano stumbling into an awkward position.
Takamura's eyes lit up. NOW. Pivoting smoothly on his front foot, he fired a cross that connected cleanly with Hirano's chin.
The impact was devastating. Hirano's head snapped back, his mouthpiece flying into the air as his body hurtled backward. The crowd watched in stunned silence as Hirano crashed into the ropes, the force so great that it sent him tumbling out of the ring.
For a moment, the stadium was eerily quiet, the shock of what had just happened hanging in the air. Then, the referee waved his arms, signaling the end of the fight.
"The fight is over! Winner by KO, AND NEW JBC CHAMPION MAMORU TAKAMURA!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices shaking the arena.
Takamura raised his belt to the air, causing the crowd to chant his name.
Ippo jumped to his feet, his hands clapping in admiration. "That was amazing! Takamura-san is incredible!"
Alex, leaning back, was not surprised at all, his arms crossed. "Called it."
"What do you mean, 'called it'?" Ippo asked, still buzzing with excitement.
"I knew Takamura wouldn't lose to someone like him," Alex replied, his grin widening. "That guy doesn't just fight—he dominates."
As Takamura lowered his JBC belt, after soaking in the adoration of the crowd, Ippo and Alex shared a glance, and quietly exited the arena.