#HajimenoIppo ch1009: a watershed chapter for the series. #manga 

I wouldn't say it was done easily, but Sendo crushed Ippo in their
spar. Even in terms of mere psychology, it's huge! I don't blame the
old man for being pissed. Ippo has to be smarter than that. Though I
found it hilarious how the coach was more pissed that Ippo lost than
anything.

The real news is that Ippo is giving up his Japanese title. It's the
hugest moment of all because he's leaving national level boxing behind
forever. His sole goal is the World Title.

This opens up things across the board. And gives the mangaka a lot to
play with for the story. I've been waiting for this moment for a long
time. Let's hurry up and make it official.

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