As an expert in the world of Hajime no Ippo, I can confidently say that Ippo Makunouchi never has a professional boxing match against Ricardo Martinez. However, he does have the opportunity to spar with the legendary WBA Featherweight Champion.
Ricardo Martinez is often regarded as one of the greatest boxers in the series. His skill, speed, and power are awe-inspiring, making him an incredibly formidable opponent. Despite his immense talent, Martinez rarely takes on challengers due to his dominant reign as the champion.
Ippo’s first encounter with Ricardo Martinez occurs during a training camp in Mexico. This spar is a highly anticipated event as Ippo, the Japanese Featherweight Champion, aims to test his skills against the world’s best. The spar is intense, with Ippo showcasing his determination and grit, but ultimately, it is cut short due to Martinez’s overwhelming power. Although Ippo is unable to defeat him, the spar serves as a valuable learning experience and motivates him to continue his journey to become stronger.
It’s worth noting that this spar takes place before Ippo’s retirement from professional boxing. After his retirement, Ippo becomes more involved in coaching and supporting his fellow boxers, including his friend and rival, Sendo Takeshi. While there are instances where Sendo pursues a match against Martinez, Ippo himself does not have another opportunity to face the champion.
However, Ippo does have notable matches against other opponents throughout the series. One of his most memorable fights is against Eiji Date, a former WBC Featherweight Champion. Their first encounter ends in a loss for Ippo, but he later has a rematch and emerges victorious, claiming the WBA Featherweight title.
Additionally, Ippo has faced Alfredo González, a skilled boxer from Mexico, twice. In their first match, Ippo suffers a devastating loss, but he redeems himself in the rematch, defeating González and solidifying his position as a top-tier boxer.
While Ippo Makunouchi never has a professional bout against Ricardo Martinez, he does have the opportunity to spar with him and gain valuable experience. Ippo’s journey in the series is filled with intense matches and personal growth, allowing him to establish himself as a formidable boxer in his own right.