Hajime no Ippo Vol. 20 — Manga Raw / Buy Official

Ippo faces elite ranked fighters who stand between him and his fated confrontation with Takeshi Sendo. In this volume, he evolves beyond relying purely on his durability, demonstrating a masterful command of infighting tactics. He effectively uses his jab to suffocate opponents' rhythm and corner them, showing that he has learned to balance his devastating right with calculated, precise movement. As his gym mates watch in awe, Ippo slips past heavy combinations to deliver pinpoint finishers. This is the moment Ippo stops being a mere slugger and becomes a true tactician of the ring. Even Takamura is left speechless by his growth. As his opponent hits the canvas, Ippo’s eyes reflect not arrogance, but a chilling, focused drive. The promise of a rematch with Miyata now shifts from a distant dream to an inevitable reality, marking a definitive turning point in his climb to the top.