Ep. 55: Ippo trains before his Japan Featherweight Title Match while his coach falls ill.
Aired on October 31, 2001
The narrative starts the day before Ippo’s Japan Featherweight Title Match, during a training session with mittens. The practice is cut short because the coach appears unwell. Aoki contacts Ippo, while Kimura, Takamura, and Tomiko plan an intervention. Upon arrival, Ippo is told Tomiko will predict his future, but she refuses. Takamura and Kimura attempt to stop him from leaving. The coach then appears and scolds everyone for their behavior. This sequence highlights the tension and concern surrounding Ippo’s upcoming bout and the well-being of his mentor, setting the stage for the significant fight ahead without revealing the match outcome.
Episodes
- Ep. 51 · Ippo escorts Mashiba's Kumi home during a literal group date outing
- Ep. 52 · Date Ippo's journey to the featherweight title match against Makunouchi Ippo
- Ep. 53 · Background episode focusing on Date Eiji's personal development and self-discovery journey
- Ep. 54 · Takamura faces Tamaki in title defense despite sauna-induced weakness
- Ep. 55 · Ippo trains before his Japan Featherweight Title Match while his coach falls ill.
- Ep. 56 · Ippo doubts his hits but regains confidence to counter Date's head movement technique in the third round.
- Ep. 57 · Ippo Date faces a critical moment in his fight against the champion Takamura Mamoru.
- Ep. 58 · Ippo receives applause after victory while Sendo rages and seeks revenge on Makunouchi with Vorg.
- Ep. 59 · Sendou Takeshi and Volg Zangief begin their determined match