LALLAPALLOOZA Takeshi SENDO vs Ippo MAKUNOUCHI
Hey, the poster's done.
DYNAMIC GLOVES 10R Japan Featherweight Title Match Ippo really posed for it.
Lalooloo'a'palooloo-oza, huh? That makes sense.
La... Lalooloo?
Is that some kind of incantation?
This is pronounced "La-la-pa-loo-za."
It refers to a punch so loud, it sounds like an earthquake.
It's the perfect selling phrase for their match.
Yeah!
Don't "yeah" us.
You fed us nonsense.
Still, I'd sure like to experience the excitement of a title match...
...for once.
What?! Have you two boys never had a title match?
How many years have you been boxers?
Five years.
F-Five years, and you haven't had a single title match?!
You already know that, so shut up!
Round 71 "Time For The Showdown"
Isozaki Book Center
Monthly Boxing Fan
Whoa, we're on the cover!
I'll take this, please.
Sure thing. Oh?
Oh? Oh? Oh?
Uh, no.
- Oh? Oh? Oh? - No, no, no.
Whoa.
Special Report: The Tiger of Naniwa Bares His Fangs: TAKESHI SENDO Sendo-san sure looks pumped up.
Huh?
You're out already?!
Damn, I was too late.
- Hey... - That's...
It's Makunouchi!
- Give me your autograph! - Me, too!
- It's the real thing! - He's smaller than I thought!
Who are all those people?
They came here to buy tickets.
The tickets for your match sold out the moment they went on sale.
You're a huge success.
What?! They're already sold out?
Now you definitely have to take the belt!
Y-Yes, sir.
Did you read my article?
Mari-san.
Do you see the name "Iimura"...
at the end of the special report in that magazine?
You're right. I didn't know you wrote this article.
Did you find it boring?
No, I can feel Sendo-san's intensity in it.
And you've written about his sparring in detail.
I believe only someone who actually saw it could write this article.
Really? That's a relief.
It says that he widens his stance to lower his center of gravity.
So, maybe it's something like this.
The body axis won't move...
and he'll probably deliver a barrage with his body weight on it...
so it will be difficult to make him back off with an exchange.
The Dempsey Roll is becoming less of an option.
Knowing Sendo-san's disposition, he'll come forward right away...
so I'll have to go for the win right away, too.
An exchange from the get-go, then?
That'll be a suitable development for a talked-about match.
A talked-about match?
It hasn't really hit me yet.
Before I fought Date-san...
it definitely felt like I was facing a title match.
But this is kind of like...
we're not just fighting over a belt.
Tell him that the belt isn't at stake in the next match!
It's each other's pride!
What is it?
I think Makunouchi-kun could write a better article than I.
"The belt isn't on the line."
They both said the same thing.
They're the ones most looking forward...
to the upcoming match.
Who do you think will win?
I can't tell. To be frank...
they're equal in strength. How about you?
I can't tell.
But I believe it will definitely be settled by KO.
Well, excuse me for only being able to come up with a silly prediction.
That explains why the tickets are selling like hot cakes.
That's true.
How are you, Nekota-san?
Mr. Ginpachi Nekota How are you, Nekota-san?
Mr. Ginpachi Nekota
I have been continuing with my back muscle training...
every morning since then.
You'd probably be surprised if you saw my back now.
I am sending you a ticket.
I can't say that I have the confidence to win...
but I'm looking forward to seeing how far I can go.
Please come watch!
Fighters Weigh-In Room
I'm told the champ's already inside.
You're here, Makunouchi!
G-Good afternoon.
What are you looking so scary for?
The match is tomorrow.
Sendo-san certainly is relaxed.
That's how complete his preparations are.
H-He really worked on his body.
His back is a size bigger.
That's the body of a guy who's completed the entire menu.
That's utterly amazing.
Just baring their flesh is turning it into a demonstration.
125 and 1/4 pounds. Sendo passes.
Right on!
124 and 1/2 pounds. Makunouchi passes.
Right!
Excuse me, could I get a shot of you two shaking hands?
A handshake?
Sure. Uh, p-please wait a moment.
Sorry. I'm ready now.
I think I'll pass! We're hateful rivals until the match is over!
Uh, right.
Don't cool your body. For now, go home and...
What is it?
Is it okay if I borrow Makunouchi for a while?
I won't take long.
I don't approve of leaving opponents alone together before a match...
but I guess it's fine.
The Mecca of the Japanese world of boxing, Korakuen Hall.
Every professional boxer wants to fight here once in his life.
Undoubtedly it'll be a full house tomorrow.
It's real thrilling.
You're impressive.
You're definitely a champion...
to talk so calmly with someone you're going to fight against tomorrow.
I don't have that kind of leeway...
so I can't talk that clearly.
Is that how I appear?
Huh?
After seeing your face...
I've been desperately trying to keep my composure.
I've been getting the shakes.
I'm getting the shakes because I feel so thoroughly happy...
to my very core.
When I saw your body a minute ago, I realized...
it's been a while since we last met.
Actually, we met after your match with Shigeta-san in Osaka.
That's not what I mean.
It's really been a long time...
since we've met as boxers.
To hit and be hit...
by an incredibly tough opponent... and win!
That's when I'll fully know I'm strong.
I'm going to win this.
He hasn't changed.
To him, the title of champion means nothing.
He hasn't changed.
I also trained in order to win.
Fishing Boat Rental MAKUNOUCHI This time it's your hometown, so you'll have more supporters.
I'll get them whipped into an earthshaking Makunouchi chant!
That's encouraging.
I've gotta make up for feeling so small in Osaka.
I'll show you!
You ain't nervous or nothing.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Hey, boss!
Is this the behavior of a boxer on the eve of a title match?
I wouldn't know.
I don't know the first thing about boxing.
You've been like this every night. You may not be able to sleep...
but if you don't get in bed, your body can't get the rest it needs.
Yeah.
You're fighting someone strong, aren't you?
Are you scared?
Yeah.
At least climb under the blankets and close your eyes.
Or you'll end up sleepy when you need to be awake the most.
I can't sleep.
My heartbeat is too noisy.
I've never been so worked up before.
I've never looked forward to a match this much!
Do you understand, everyone from Tokyo?!
Shout out "Makunouchi" on the count of three!
Yeah!
This is why it's nice having it in your hometown.
Sorry, Sendo, but everyone will be cheering for Makunouchi.
Looks like another group has arrived.
We're counting on you, too, guys!
On the count of three...
SENDO!
- We came a long way for this! - We ain't losing to no Tokyo wimp!
- Go for it, Sendo! - Take Makunouchi down!
There's more of 'em over there.
Don't be intimidated! Go, Makunouchi!
Makunouchi.
Um...
Ryo, hurry!
The curtain raiser hasn't even started yet.
Let's cheer for Makunouchi-san today.
No way.
Fine, 'cause I will!
It's finally time.
Lallapallooza! A fight with exchanges...
of earthshaking blows and signature punches!
The Japan Featherweight title match we've all been waiting for...
is finally here!
The semi-final is finished, and the cheering fans...
are heating things up even during the intermission!
Korakuen Hall is getting lively whether you like it or not!
Expectation rises for the entrance of each fighter!
The bell is about to ring!
Tiger, are you worried about him, too?
Yes, it's about time for the match to start in Tokyo.
I wonder what look he'll have on his face...
when he comes home?
Room A
The cheering is impressive.
Everyone came from Osaka to see you.
You'd better respond to their expectations.
I know.
It was probably like this the last time, too.
Although I don't remember it clearly.
Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
The only thing I clearly remember...
are the earth-shattering cheers.
The stage is set. Well, let's go.
Let's pick up where we left off.
Sendo?
I know!
I know.
Calm down. Don't jump the gun.
Don't jump the gun! It'll start soon.
Makunouchi will be waiting in the Blue Corner.
You'll see him soon.
Blue Corner Challenger Green Room Ippo Makunouchi
Kid, can't you tone it down a little?
You'll tire yourself out before the match!
Hey, you'd better leave it at that.
You've got enough of a sweat going now.
Just a little more.
Hey, it's Neko.
Last one!
All right, that's pretty good.
I'm amazed.
I'm amazed you trained yourself this far.
Nekota-san.
After seeing the shape of your body...
I can tell you don't need encouragement.
I can watch feeling secure.
Thank you, sir.
Ippo!
If I remember correctly, you began boxing...
because you wanted to be like me.
Win this, and I'll acknowledge that you've gotten slightly closer.
Yes!
We'll catch up to you soon.
Get going.
We have faith you'll win.
Thank you so much.
Makunouchi...
Yes?
If the going gets tough, remember that training camp!
Yes, sir!
Well, I think I'll find my seat.
By the way, Neko, do you have another bear pelt in that bag?
That's a secret.
The ring announcer is up.
Mr. Makunouchi, it's time.
Kid.
The two men who fought for the All-Japan Rookie of the Year...
are matched up again today.
You were no more than a hatchling back then.
But now, you're not.
Sendo is waiting for you as the strongest man in Japan.
Listen, we are the challengers!
Box like a challenger to the very end!
That's right. Sendo-san is waiting in the Red Corner.
Waiting for me!
Let's go, Kid!
Yes, sir!
Let's go, Sendo!
Right!
It is time for the entrance of the fighters...
for the Japan Featherweight title match!
Entering from the Blue Corner...
is challenger Ippo Makunouchi!
With 12 fights 11 wins 1 loss...
the Dynamite Kid has won every victory by KO!
He heads for the ring expected to put up one hell of a fight...
to win his second title match!
The champion Takeshi Sendo appears from the Red Corner!
With 16 fights 15 wins 14 KO's, he has suffered only one loss!
His one and only black mark came at the hands of Makunouchi!
Burning with revenge, the Tiger of Naniwa...
takes center stage for the first time in Korakuen Hall!
Sendo! Sendo! Sendo!
Makunouchi! Makunouchi! Makunouchi!
Can you hear our voices from the commentator stand?!
The cheering battle is drowning us out!
This fight promises not to disappoint the fans' excitement!
The Japan Featherweight Class title match...
will commence momentarily.
In the Red Corner...
from the Naniwa Boxing Group...
weighing in at 125 and 1/4 pounds...
the Featherweight Champion of Japan...
Takeshi Sendo!
In the Blue Corner...
from the Kamogawa Gym...
weighing in at 124 and 1/2 pounds...
ranked number one in Japan Featherweight...
Ippo Makunouchi!
Ippo, take that belt!
Are you the head of Makunouchi's cheering group?
Yes.
Let's heat it up today!
I'm counting on you!
The fighters are called to the center.
The fated foes are facing off.
For Sendo, this is a revenge match...
and for Makunouchi, this is an important match to capture the belt!
It's so touch-and-go they can't even look at each other.
They're setting off sparks.
I bet the bell rang in their heads ages ago.
They both have a look of determination on their faces.
Yeah, the concentration is incredible.
Makunouchi-san will win, won't he?
Makunouchi is more focused.
But the champion also looks really scary.
He's too worked up.
In horse racing, it's what they call over-zealous.
I bet his one lost match is having a snowball effect.
He's probably been grinding his teeth in frustration for two years.
If it were me up there, I wouldn't wait for no damn bell.
The fighters head to their respective corners.
The fateful bell will ring shortly!
Show me what you've got, Makunouchi.
Sendo, don't get edgy.
No matter what kind of exchange it turns into, stay calm. Understand?
I know! I know.
He's obviously gotten worked up after seeing Makunouchi in the ring.
Use the first round to relax your body.
I AM calm.
I've been waiting for this.
I'll tear him to pieces!
One punch can wreck you. Be sure to take the initiative!
Don't let the champ control the pace!
Go out hitting first!
Yes, sir!
I've been waiting for this day!
I'll use everything I've ever learned.
I won't even consider conserving stamina!
I am the challenger!
Sendo-san!
Makunouchi!
Makunouchi charges in!
The champion is caught by surprise, delaying his reaction!
And what is this?!
It's the Dempsey Roll!
He's fast!
I have my hands full just guarding!
I can't block in time!
H-He's down!
I get up again
With my wounded body
Tomorrow's the only way to go
If that's the fate of the human race
I will grab tomorrow with my only hands
Even if I can't deal
With my long, long life
I don't want to mistake the place to live
With the place to die
I can't help myself
Dreaming the same dream
Astride position.
A stance spreading the legs to lower the center of gravity.
Footwork stops at close range...
and punches are exchanged in barrages.
They come out sharp with brutal destructive power!
I can't shield myself from all of them.
If I'm hit, I can only hit back!
That's right! This is a battle of power!
We each built up for this day!
The next episode is "Lallapallooza."
Round 72 "Lallapallooza" The next episode is "Lallapallooza."
Round 72 "Lallapallooza"