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Ricardo Martínez (リカルド・マルチネス, Rikarudo Maruchinesu) is the undefeated WBA featherweight super champion and the No.1 in "POUND for POUND"[6].

His notable matches are against former featherweight champion Eiji Date, twice for the WBA championship, and Ippo Makunouchi in a spar. He has defeated Alfredo González twice. According to Mamoru Takamura, the natural boxing talent that Ricardo possesses is immeasurable and otherworldly. Genji Kamogawa says that most take the route for the WBC championship to avoid facing Ricardo. Mexicans who don't recognise their political leaders know Ricardo's name. WBC champions aren't even considered the strongest in the world due to Ricardo's presence in the WBA.[7] He is the man who gave Date his iconic scar.

Background

Ricardo asking Bill how it feels to be strong

Ricardo asking Bill how it feels to be strong.

As a child, coming from a lineage of mountain workers, Ricardo spent most of his youth in the mountains of Mexico.[8] At some point, still a child, Ricardo came up to Bill Stewart with boxing gloves and asked him how it feels to be strong.[9] From then on, he became a boxer under Bill. He became a WBA featherweight world champion at the early age of 21[10], and as time passed he started to be known as the one who takes everything from those who challenge him, he made most who fought him retire, in another way he's the devil.

Young Ricardo with the WBA belt before facing Date

A young Ricardo getting ready to fight Date.

During one of his first defences as a champion, he brutally defeated the strong challenger at the time Eiji Date by the second round, which lead him to retire and sought for revenge ever since. In his homeland of Mexico, he got to be known as a "National Hero" over time. During and after the match against Date amongst the crowd of young children outside watching, one of them who has been living in the slums of that town really hated him and was very annoyed to how everyone looked up to him. After some time passed, he started having him as his goal, as he truly understood the champion's reasons better growing up. Following up a few years later after defeating Date, he faced Alfredo González as he rose in the rankings, twice in his later defences. In both of those times, he defeated Alfredo who was otherwise undefeated. Marking Alfredo's goal as one and only, to go against Ricardo once again in the future, for the third time, but that never ended up happening.

He started to be known as an undefeated "Super Champion" and "Living Legend" around the world, remaining in the featherweights and the WBA for more than a decade.

History

Part I

Revenge Arc

Ricardo Stopping Dempsey Roll

Ricardo stopping the Dempsey Roll.

After defending his WBA featherweight title 17 times, his 18th title defence was to be against Eiji Date, who he fought before. With the match approaching, Ricardo and his trainer and manager, Bill Stewart arrived to Tokyo. Ricardo requested to spar against the JBC featherweight champion Ippo Makunouchi at the Otowa gym. When the spar began, Ricardo outclassed him completely using only his left jab. Ippo failed to hit him even once or to change his calm expression. After Ricardo noticed Ippo was unconscious after easily defeating the Dempsey Roll with just his left, Ricardo cancelled the session so as not to hurt the pride of the Japanese champion.

Date and Ricardo at the press conference

Ricardo and Date face off at the press conference.

At the press conference between Ricardo and Date, the latter thanked the super champion for bringing the belt from Mexico to Japan for him, while Ricardo told the reporters to not expect much from the challenger. The two then shook hands after a tense face off. When it was time for his title defence match, Ricardo arrived to the Ryōgoku Kokugikan. Upon arrival to the ring, Bill did not give Ricardo any strategies, simply asking him to show Japan the true magnificence of boxing. When the match began, Ricardo was immediately hit by a left from Date and sent to the ropes by a barrage of punches on his guard before Ricardo could get into his rhythm. Ricardo escaped and attempted to hit Date with a left, however, Date rolled the punch by turning his neck. Ricardo then had an exchange of lefts with Date, with both unable to hit each other until they land a hit at the same time just as the first round ended. In the corner, Ricardo intended to end the match in the second round just as he did seven years ago to show the power difference is still the same.

Ricardo's Right

Ricardo throws his first right of the match.

Ricardo went with his plan by throwing his first right in the match that missed, but left a big impression on Date and the audience. Ricardo's pressure and feints made Date step back into the ropes. When Date escaped the ropes, Ricardo led Date into a corner and unleashed left body blows. When Date attempted to attack Ricardo back, Ricardo countered with a body blow. To Ricardo's surprise, Date remained standing and fought back with a one-two. After repeatedly getting hit by Ricardo's strong combinations, Date still fought back, making Ricardo assume that Date has fought someone with punches equal to his own. The second round ended, and Ricardo then told Bill that he underestimated Date, and that he was bored of the same task, living only to defend the belt, wanting to turn back to how he once was.

Elbow Block

Ricardo blocks Date's Heart Break Shot with his elbow.

In the third round, Ricardo switched to his old style, which caused him to act more aggressively, throwing off his challenger with unpredictable timings and brutally beating him. Ricardo continued beating him up to the end of the eighth round, breaking three ribs and his jaw. In the ninth round, Ricardo saw a Corkscrew Blow coming for his head, making Ricardo guard high. The angle then changed for the Heart Break Shot, however, Ricardo saw it coming and used an Elbow Block, breaking Date's right fist. Ricardo continued beating Date until the ninth round was over. In the corner, Ricardo acknowledged his duty is to remove the chance of a miracle happening for Date to zero, even if it meant that Date becomes an unfortunate accident.

Ricardo's finishing Corkscrew Blow

Ricardo knocking out Date with a Corkscrew Blow.

In the tenth round, knowing that Date's could not use his right anymore, attempted to counter an incoming left. The left was then pulled back and Ricardo was hit with a right. Date then lured Ricardo into a perfectly timed Heart Break Shot. However, the damage to his hand prevented him from using enough power to stun Ricardo. Ricardo dodged the followup punch and then hit Date with a Corkscrew Blow, knocking him down as Ricardo vowed to never forget Date's name and acknowledged him as the opponent he respects most. The referee quickly ended the match and Ricardo successfully defended his title for the 18th time.

Part II

A Passing Point Arc

Ricardo fought an American in his 21st WBA featherweight title defence, winning and defending his title with a first round knockout.

Go to the World Arc

Ricardo and Bill talking about Alfredo

Ricardo hearing about Alfredo from Bill.

Ricardo received a call from Alfredo González before Alfredo's match against Ippo, requesting for Ricardo reconsider a second rematch between them if he defeats Ippo. Ricardo, however, did not remember who Ippo was, as he does not remember every name of fighters he has sparred with. After the call, Bill reminded Ricardo that Ippo used the Peek-a-Boo Style, causing Ricardo to finally remember who Ippo was, wishing he knew so he could have warned Alfredo to be careful.

Later, during Alfredo's match with Ippo, Ricardo ran into Lisa while he was doing his morning roadwork. He asked her if she was worried about Alfredo, noting Ippo's powerful technique and how Alfredo may have trouble. Although Ricardo knows how strong Alfredo is, when Lisa asked if he knew Alfredo would win or not, Ricardo suggested that she would be better asking god.

Part III

Sendō in Mexico Arc

Ricardo's First Down

Ricardo going down for the first time in his career.

After Alfredo won against Ippo, Ricardo's side refused to accept Alfredo's rematch request, as they had nothing to gain accepting a request from someone that Ricardo had defeated twice. Later, Ricardo went to the Lucha Lucha Gym to host a public sparring session, requesting sparring partners. After defeating three sparring partners, Sendō entered the gym, with Ricardo asking Bill who he was. After learning that Sendō was ranked third in the WBA, Ricardo qualified him to be his sparring partner and requested him to step into the ring. Ricardo ordered Bill to stop the match if there was trouble for him, as he saw a certain something that swallows everyone around him, wishing to see that "something". The three round spar then began. Ricardo dominated in the spar for two rounds. In the middle of the third round however, Ricardo went down for the first time in his boxing career, with his knee touching the canvas by Sendō. Alfredo then entered the room shocked by the scene with Ricardo telling him to remember the sight well, as he deemed Sendō to be the first man to score a down on him. Ricardo then got up, not wanting to stay down for ten seconds. When Bill tried to tell Alfredo and the reporters that Sendō merely pushed Ricardo making him fall, Ricardo noted that the reporters don't even need pictures for proof as they know what happened with their own eyes: a tiger piercing his flesh.

When Ricardo noticed Alfredo was about to get into the ring the fight Sendō, Ricardo stopped them, suggesting to take the fight to a bigger stage. Ricardo told them to settle it in Mexico City in three months as a semi-final for his own title defence. In return, Ricardo offered to give the winner the right to challenge him in his next title defence. Sendō pointed out how pretentious Ricardo is for thinking that he is invincible that he would not lose in his upcoming title defence, claiming that Ricardo was undefeated because he had not fought him yet. This statement caused Ricardo to laugh, while thinking how amusing Sendō was for thinking "undefeated" does not equal "invincible" as he drove away from the gym. Ricardo did not answer Bill's question as whether Sendō hit him or not, concluding that he had not had this much fun in a while. Ricardo received information that Bill got from a reporter that both Sendō and Alfredo both fought Ippo in a brutal match, with Date also being pushed by him as well. Ricardo noted how he had heard Ippo's name from time to time despite his world ranking disappearing, as if the world revolves around the young Dempsey Roll wielder.

Ippo in Mexico Arc

Ricardo, Bill, and Nargo watching Sendō and Alfredo fight

Ricardo watching Sendō and Alfredo's match.

When the weigh-in for Ricardo's WBA title defence match arrived, Ricardo went to the Arena México, where he met with Alfredo and Ippo. The next day, Ricardo went to the Arena México and watched Sendō and Alfredo's match in his dressing room. Before the match began, Ricardo heard Jose Nargo claim that Sendō's destructive power is the best in the world, something Ricardo admitted to be jealous at. As Nargo was sure that Ricardo did not use his full strength against him, Ricardo summarised that on a scale of 1-10 that a five is enough to knockout someone, while a ten is overkill, and that one get build up one's or just throw out a five. Watching the second round, Ricardo saw that Alfredo has been attacking with a punching scale of one's, believing it to not be a prudent choice against Sendō, as he should have sent out everything. Watching the third round, Bill mentioned how Sendō is a shining example of Machismo, which Ricardo holds appreciation to the word, and wished to do mitt practise with Bill.

After watching Sendō defeat Alfredo in the fourth round by knockout, Ricardo arrived to the ring for his WBA title defence match against the former WBC featherweight champion, Billy McCallum. At the ring before the match began, Ricardo felt the heat that Sendō and Alfredo left, feeling apologetic that he isn't able to reach such heat, he hopes that McCallum will answer the high expectations that he has for him.

McCallum throwing a counter

Ricardo fighting McCallum.

As the gong sounded, Ricardo went to the centre of the ring with McCallum, who charged to him and stopped in his tracks to begin his rhythm. Ricardo threw the first punch with a left jab, which hit McCallum's Philly Shell block. Ricardo sent out multiple left jabs, while McCallum continued to block every attack until Ricardo threw his right. It missed McCallum as McCallum threw a counter, which Ricardo also dodged. Ricardo was amazed by McCallum's counter, but wondered if his matches are boring since he can predict every punch, making him never take a hit, feeling that he can't resonate with the audience. Ricardo reflected on how he is a man like anyone else, and pondered why can't anyone see his machismo. Ricardo requested for McCallum to come to him and fight, wanting him to bring out his inner strength. After Ricardo attacked McCallum with more left jabs that got blocked, Ricardo threw out a one-two. As McCallum saw the one-two coming, he threw out a left counter, which Ricardo blocked while urging McCallum to answer his expectations. Ricardo proceeded to block McCallum's Flicker Jabs and prepared to counter McCallum's right before McCallum stopped himself. Ricardo began hitting McCallum's Philly Shell block with rapid lefts, following him with more lefts as McCallum puts his back to the ropes.

Ricardo defeats McCallum

Ricardo defeating McCallum.

As McCallum threw a punch, Ricardo caught it before hitting McCallum's Philly Shell block with more lefts. Due to Ricardo's attacks to McCallum's left arm, McCallum lowered his arm. As McCallum tried to throw a right, Ricardo hit his face with lefts until he went down, with Ricardo disappointed that he again can not be tested. As the referee ended the match, the match ended in Ricardo's victory. After receiving his belt and robe from his seconds, Ricardo left the ring as he pondered how he doesn't wish for fame and fortune, only for someone to show him how strong he truly is and to get closer to the heart of boxing.

Grim Reaper to the World Arc

Ricardo learning details about Wally from Bill

Ricardo learning details about Wally from Bill.

Despite announcing to Sendō and Alfredo that he would give the winner between them the right to challenge him in his next title defence, it was decided that, instead of Sendō, Ricardo's next match is against the third ranker in the WBA and a former Indonesian champion, Wally. Bill announced the decision to Ricardo, since his match with Sendō got postponed, he wanted Ricardo to keep his fight sense sharp and prepare a strategy to go against Sendō. Ricardo was interested and ultimately accepted the decision once Bill mentioned that Wally pushed the Dempsey boy with just three matches in his record and has wildness that may surpass Sendō. Ricardo was later informed by Bill of Wally's record and details of how Wally fights, along with his likeness of boxing. Ricardo asked about his one loss, and, when he heard it was from Ippo, he felt as if the wheel of fate revolves around the retired boxer.

Alpha and Omega Arc

Ricardo and Wally at their press conference

Ricardo and Wally at their press conference.

At the Arena México, Ricardo partook in his press conference for his 23rd WBA featherweight title defence match against Wally. Ricardo told the press that while Wally is an unknown variable and he has no prediction of how the match will go, he claimed that the belt will not change hands. Ricardo looked unbothered as Wally stuck his tongue out at him before the challenger confessed that he doesn't care about the belt, only excited to fight the strongest man in the world. When Wally claimed that it will be a fun match, Ricardo noted how none of the boxers that faced him said it was "fun", however, Wally replied that he will be the first, and that he will win.

Wally landing the first blow on Ricardo

Ricardo getting hit by an overhand from Wally.

The next day, Ricardo went to the Arena México and arrived to the ring when his 23rd WBA featherweight title defence match against Wally was about to begin. Ricardo had his attention caught towards the Dempsey Roll wielder, Ippo, who was standing next to Wally, pondering why he was there. When the match began, Ricardo moved out of the way as Wally ran straight towards him, shocked afterwards when he witnessed the challenger bouncing himself off the corner post to face him once more. Ricardo was chased continuously, and, when Wally ducked lower and ran past him again, Ricardo was hit in the face by a right overhand, much to his shock. Ricardo was puzzled as he suddenly could not see Wally, but soon found out that Wally was hiding behind the referee after he attempted to hit him. Both boxers face each other again, with Ricardo holding both fists up in a high guard to observe, and Wally wide open as he puts his hands behind his back. Wally feinted a right overhand before throwing a left uppercut which changed trajectory mid-way into a hook. Ricardo blocked the hook, and Wally quickly retreated. Ricardo blocked Wally's quick left jabs when he came back to him and watched him run around the ring as the first round ended. As he headed out for the second round, Ricardo admitted to himself that he is having trouble and has never encountered a style like Wally's before, putting him in uncharted territory.

Ricardo realising Wally is going for his eyes

Ricardo realising Wally is going for his eyes.

In the second round, Ricardo held his guard up as it was hit by Wally multiple times before Ricardo got hit with a left body blow and Wally fled once more. Ricardo continued observing the tactic for the rest of the round. At his corner, Ricardo was asked by Bill what he thought about the boxer he ordered. Ricardo answered that the challenger, as of now, may be a bit too much for him, adding that he has someone giving him the devil's teachings as well. When the third round began, Ricardo once more took a guarded stance as Wally attacked. Ricardo thought about how Wally's way of punching makes the impacts feel like getting pierced by the tip of a blade, a blade aimed at his eyes in order to blind him. Ricardo attempted to hit Wally as he went for the left body blow, however, since Wally was taught how to deal with such a situation, Wally was able to dodge the attack and throw a punch towards Ricardo's face. Ricardo blocked the attack, and the third round ended shortly after.

Wally countering Ricardo's body blow attempt

Ricardo getting countered by Wally.

As round four began, Ricardo thought he could determine where Wally will go by the shift of his body weight. Ricardo tried to cut him off as he sees he is going to the right, however, Wally hung onto the ropes with both feet off the canvas, shocking Ricardo. Wally left the ropes and threw jabs at Ricardo's guard before going back to the ropes. Ricardo saw that Wally was about to bounce off the ropes again and prepared to catch him, however, Wally threw a right uppercut from a low angle and with both feet coming off the canvas, missing Ricardo. Ricardo tried to take the opportunity to attack Wally while he was open, however, Wally used the ropes to bounce off to the side to avoid Ricardo's attack before his feet touched the canvas. Ricardo wondered how he will be able to trap him, realising that if this goes on, it is highly likely Wally will win by decision. Wally motioned his hand, telling Ricardo to come on. Ricardo decided to accept Wally's invitation as he rushed towards him and enter an in-fight, with Ricardo throwing left jabs, and Wally using unorthodox punches. Both boxers did not land a hit, and the in-fight ended when Wally threw a left Cross Counter that Ricardo barely blocked with one hand. After blocking another counter attempt, Ricardo acknowledged Wally as the fastest boxer he has faced by far. To slow him down, Ricardo decided to use a body blow. However, Ricardo's body blow was knocked down by Wally, and Ricardo was hit in the face with a right hook. The fourth round ended shortly after, and Ricardo, knowing now that Wally has taken preventive measures against body blows, decided to continue using theories against him even if Wally continues to nullify them. At Ricardo's corner, after Bill claimed how the isolation between Ricardo and his seconds are their biggest weakness, Ricardo told Bill that maybe it is because he respects his decisions he makes, and that he has nothing but gratitude for his seconds.

Ricardo and Wally exchanging punches at close range

Ricardo and Wally exchanging punches at close range.

As the fifth round began, Ricardo and Wally entered an exchange where neither one lands a blow on each other. As Ricardo noted to himself how against a genius, he will still choose the basics, he landed a fast left jab on Wally's face. Ricardo attempted to press forward, but Wally kept him at bay with a barrage of punches coming from many different angles hitting his guard and getting dodged. Ricardo landed three left jabs on Wally's face in between the barrage. Ricardo pondered that he has no special abilities, only moving like a normal man, so he can only elevate the fundamentals by polishing the basics no one chooses to use. Ricardo threw left jabs at Wally who is moving around him, Wally dodged and threw unorthodox punches that also get blocked. Ricardo deduced that no matter what strange angle the punch is coming from there is one rule that must be followed: punches have to be aimed at the upper half of the body, so he just has to protect his vitals and avoid critical blows. As Ricardo pressed forward while hitting Wally's face with three more left jabs, he traps Wally at a corner. Ricardo landed a one-two on Wally's face, causing him to go down. After Wally got back up, Ricardo trapped him in the corner, using quick jabs to keep him there, as well as hitting his face. Suddenly, Ricardo blocks a barrage of punches as Wally attempted to get out using force. Ricardo landed two fast left jabs and then began throwing a right, however, Wally dodged the right. Ricardo decided to eliminate Wally's mobility by throwing a left body blow. After it landed, Wally immediately responded with a left uppercut that Ricardo blocked as the fifth round ended. At Ricardo's corner, Bill, predicting that Wally will be gambling it all in the next round, advised Ricardo to prepare himself and when he comes, ambush him. Ricardo declined the advice, as he planned to take the initiative, refusing to let Wally take the pace a second time.

Ricardo defeating Wally

Ricardo defeating Wally.

When the sixth round began, Ricardo watched as Wally went to the centre of the ring and stomped his feet to signal an exchange with him. Ricardo thought how the crowd has expectations for him and Wally, but more than anyone, Ricardo has expectations, wondering if Wally can test him and see how strong he has become. Ricardo and Wally had a close range exchange at the centre of the ring. At first, Ricardo's punches landed precisely on their target, and Wally missed his punches, however, both boxers landed a straight on each other's face in a dual exchange. Wally went toward Ricardo and sent out a right, however, he lost his balance and rolled on the canvas all the way to the ropes, causing a slip to be declared. Wally got up immediately. Bill ordered Ricardo to get away, as he thought it was dangerous, however, Ricardo stomped his foot down, signalling for Wally to continue fighting him as the centre of the ring. Another exchange happened between Ricardo and Wally at the centre of the ring, with both boxers landing hits on each other. After Ricardo threw a few high punches to make Wally's body open, Ricardo landed a liver blow. Ricardo feinted a left jab and landed a right straight on Wally, sending him down. Wally got up immediately and the match continued. Ricardo and Wally commenced another close range exchange that Ricardo began dominating. After seeing Wally hit his legs to prevent them from sleeping and being pushed back by Wally's assault on his guard, Ricardo believes that Wally has reached the heights that he and other boxers have reached. Ricardo began countering Wally's attacks until Wally began throwing Smashes, which Ricardo dodged. After dodging another Smash, Ricardo grinned as he landed a right counter. Ricardo landed a right straight before Wally could throw another Smash, sending him down. The referee ended the match immediately, resulting in Ricardo's victory, defending his WBA title for the twenty-third time.

Ricardo walked over to Wally, remembering how it was the first time someone stood with him at the same peak as him, thinking that Wally is amazing, but guesses that he won't be able to tell him that. Wally regained consciousness and stuck his tongue out at Ricardo, proclaiming that he won. Ricardo saw that Wally's value in a match wasn't whether he had fun or not, and wins if he did have fun, but he thought that he himself didn't lose in that category either. As Wally left with his seconds, Ricardo heard sounds of fists cracking, and saw Sendō glaring at him outside next to the ring. Ricardo walked away, thinking "vamos tigre".

Match History

Match History
# Result Record Date Opponent Location Time Type Notes
70 WIN 70-0-0 200X Indonesia Wally[11] Arena México, Mexico City, Mexico 6(12) TKO 23rd WBA Featherweight Title Defence Match
Main Event
69 WIN 69-0-0 1999-01 USA Billy McCallum[12] Arena México, Mexico City, Mexico 1(12) TKO 22nd WBA Featherweight Title Defence Match
Main Event
68[13] WIN 68-0-0 1994-07 USA Unknown[14] United States of America 1(12) TKO 21st WBA Featherweight Title Defence Match
67 WIN 67-0-0 199X Unknown N/A ?(12) KO/TKO Non-Title Defence
66 WIN 66-0-0 199X Unknown N/A ?(12) KO/TKO Non-Title Defence
65 WIN 65-0-0 199X Unknown N/A ?(12) KO/TKO WBA Featherweight Title Defence Match
64 WIN 64-0-0 199X Mexico Alfredo González Mexico ?(12) TKO WBA Featherweight Title Defence Match
63[15] WIN 63-0-0 1993-06-27 Japan Eiji Date[16] Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan 10(12), 2:14 TKO "Revenge!"
18th WBA Featherweight Title Defence Match[17]
N/A WIN ?-0-0 199X Mexico Alfredo González Mexico ?(12) TKO WBA Featherweight Title Defence Match
N/A WIN ?-0-0 199X Unknown Mexico City, Mexico[18] ?(12) TKO WBA Featherweight Title Defence Match
Alfredo watched the match at a young age.
7 Years of Unknown Opponents
N/A WIN ??-0-0 1986-02-15[19][20] Japan Eiji Date[21] Aztec Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico[22] 2(12), 1:12[23] TKO[24] 2nd[25] WBA Featherweight Title Defence Match
N/A WIN ?-0-0 198X Unknown N/A ?(12) KO/TKO 1st WBA Featherweight Title Defence Match
N/A WIN ?-0-0 198X Unknown N/A ?(12) KO/TKO WBA Featherweight Title Match

Spars

Successions

Preceded by Title Succeeded by
Unknown WBA Featherweight Champion Incumbent

Appearance

Ricardo Martínez Appearance

Ricardo's appearance.

Ricardo has a tan skin tone, short jet black hair, and a neatly trimmed moustache, which he grew late in his life as he did not have one when he fought Date for the first time. He has a very muscular and toned build. Ricardo's eyebrows are of moderate thickness and has a dark grey eye colour. In the ring, he wears black boxing trunks with a white and gold vertical stripe on the side. He has the name "Ricardo" on his gold coloured name plate on his trunks.

Personality

Ricardo is a calm and taciturn individual, choosing not to speak unless directly spoken to. When the media wants to speak with him, Ricardo speaks with his trainer, Bill Stewart, before speaking to the press and is shown to be a confident, but analytical man. Despite the assumption that a champion looks down on those with a lower ranking compared to him, Ricardo has shown immense respect to those who have earned it by pushing him to his limits (the only known people to achieve this are Date and Wally). Because of this, Ricardo will not consider a challenge unless said challenger is either the highest ranked contender, or their skills would impress him enough to pique his interest

After not showing any interest when first meeting him, he slowly became more interested in Ippo Makunouchi after hearing his name come up multiple times even after he retired, and learning that he fought multiple boxers in Alfredo González, Eiji Date, Takeshi Sendō, and Wally that he also fought. Ricardo believes that the wheel of fate itself revolves around Ippo even after he went outside of it.[26]

Ricardo Holding Back His Laughter

Ricardo holding back his laughter.

Ricardo also has an easy-going personality that he occasionally shows. When Ricardo went down for the first time in his long career by Sendō,[27] Ricardo did not seem to care despite many others making a big deal about the event, even claiming that he hasn't had that much fun in a long time. Ricardo laughed at the thought that "undefeated" does not equal "invincible", finding Sendō amusing for his beliefs.

It is eventually revealed that Ricardo is secretly quite dejected about nobody being able to challenge him. This is because he still has the same motivations as other boxers, especially Ippo, such as to find out the meaning of strength and to test himself. However, because all his fights are easily won, he is unable to feel anything from them. Furthermore, the public has come to view him as nothing more than an invincible entity that always wins, rather than a hard-working man who puts everything into his training. His matches are considered boring and predictable, which Ricardo feels bad about.

Boxing Abilities

Ricardo is the most powerful featherweight in the world and ranks first place in the "POUND for POUND" rankings.[28] He is described by Takamura as being "out-of-this-world" and on a totally different level and Dankichi as well as Minoru Fujii consider Ricardo to be the greatest boxer of all time.[29][30] His speed, power, stamina, and reflexes are described to be otherworldly. He is particularly renowned for his punching power and perfected technique. In his spar against Ippo, he proved capable of knocking Ippo unconscious in less than one round when he was already the JBC champion, using only his left jab. However, his greatest strength are not his physical attributes but his unparalleled skill and boxing intelligence. He almost never takes a punch simply because he can see every attack coming and predicts his opponents moves.[31] This is showcased in his fight against Billy McCallum, who realises Ricardo would have countered him whenever he attempted to go on the offensive, leaving him no choice but to turtle until Ricardo broke through his guard. Likewise, his skill is refined to unprecedented sharpness and the press also gives him the name "Omega" for refining the fundamentals of boxing to their absolute limits. With nothing but textbook boxing, he was even able to overwhelm the instinctive and wildly unpredictable Wally. He was able to do this by correctly analysing that even 'unpredictable' punches have predictable target zones and further use Wally's extraordinary reflexes against him by making him move in predictable directions.

Ricardo's usual fighting style is an orthodox strategy of sticking with tight, efficient punches that quickly wear opponents down, then hit a major left or right ending the match. In particular, his left jab is suggested to be unparalleled in the world. It is noted to shoot out like a bullet, with no motion betraying its start, consistently using the shortest possible path to find its target and penetrating far beyond it, like a spear. It is both fast enough to catch even the extremely agile Wally and strong enough to knock out boxers like Ippo or break through McCallum's guard.

Cautious by nature, Ricardo traditionally uses the first round to check his opponent out and rarely makes the first move. In truth however, Ricardo can be passionate at times and is not afraid of going on the offensive when sufficiently challenged. It is implied by his trainer that Ricardo was a more aggressive and violent boxer in his earlier years. This is shown when he is pushed by Date, where Ricardo launched into his older tactics of using wild, uncontrolled but devastating precise swings that will destroy the opponent's guard. Date learned this the hard way when Ricardo broke two ribs, shattered his jaw, and destroyed his right hand. Before his fight with Date, Ricardo mentions that he "was fighting for his duty of defending the belt" and that his style was not a natural one. However, in round four of his fight against Date, Ricardo stated that he would fight in his natural style, a style possessing faster pace and rhythm that led to Date's downfall and complete retirement from boxing. Ricardo has no Sunday punch.

Techniques

Weaknesses

As of yet, no boxer has been able to exploit or reveal any weakness in Ricardo. When using his orthodox style, he is on a level higher than any other boxer in the featherweight division, and in his older, more aggressive style, he is capable of easily overwhelming the most skilled boxers. Despite many of his fights being short, he does not appear at all fatigued, even in the 10th round of his fight against Date. Ricardo also has little experience against boxers considered to be "wild" and has shown trouble when facing them. Takeshi Sendō was the first person to down him, if only in a spar, and Wally managed to push him even harder than Date as not only was he unable to do anything in the first 4 rounds, but Wally managed to do real damage become the first known opponent to actually make Ricardo bleed.

While not a weakness per se, Ricardo admits that he has no 'super-human' qualities to him, such as Wally's extreme agility. Therefore, he has no choice but to stick with the basics and use an ordinary style.[32]

It should be noted that because he didn't start off his second bout with Date in his natural style, Date was able to briefly overwhelm him.

Quotes


  • "It would be best, if you didn't expect too much from this..." at the Press Conference - Round 330
  • "There is no shame from falling before my body blow, because this has eaten through the abdomen of countless challengers." - Round 335
  • "I find this hard to believe, Eiji Date, but in the 7 years since we last met...Could it be that you've come a cross someone with punches that at least equal my own!? I cannot believe that there is such a boxer in the oriental region, but if that's not the case, then there is no other explanation! Then it was climbing over the line between life and death that can allow you to hold on through this." - Round 335
  • "I'll admit that I took him too lightly. Just seeing him reminds me...Maybe it's because I've become used to this 'World Stage' but after a while I lost interested in living only to protect the belt. I got tired of it. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to return to how I once was...." - Round 336 (In the corner after the 2nd round)
  • "In order for him to fall, the damage needed isn't to his body, but his spirit!" - Round 336
  • "It seems you had something left...but it's a pity, after a man's trump card has failed - he has nothing left." - Round 337 (After Ricardo block Date's Corkscrew Punch)
  • "Bill, this is boxing. There's no way to know what may happen next. As long as a man stays standing, there's the possibility of a miracle. My job is to lower that possibility to zero. Until he falls, these fists will fight at full power. Even if that means that Date Eiji becomes an 'unfortunate accident'" - Round 338(After his coach questions if the match should continue in the 12th)
  • "Your speed and timing were perfect. Had your 'power' matched them, you would have stolen my time. A sad end, Eiji Date. Had your right hand not been broken, you would have sliced me down...'The opponent you most respected?' is a question I get asked often, and from now on I will answer: He lives in a small country in the Oriental region. A samurai that I met in Japan!!" - Round 339
  • "It's not like I wish for fortune and fame. Nor do I yearn to be admired by the masses. I simply...I wish to know if I was correct in dedicating myself to boxing. How truly strong am I? Nobody will tell me, nobody will show me, nobody will test me. I wish to come closer to it, to the bottom of this great abyss. To the true heart of boxing." - Round 1314

Trivia

  • Ricardo's style, demeanour, career and fighting ability is based on retired former world champion Ricardo Lopez.[33]
  • Ricardo's "Quetzalcóatl" and "Huītzilōpōchtli" nicknames are Aztec Gods, which are both sun Gods in the Five Suns Aztec mythology.
    • Alfredo González views Ricardo as the Quetzalcóatl, the Sun God, and his God of Death when referencing the Quetzalcóatl.
    • When others reference him as the Huītzilōpōchtli, they mention how he is the God of Sun and war.
  • The first time the term "Super Champion" was used in the anime in episode two, when Kamogawa states that he is watching a "dream match of super champs," in reference to a recent world title match he was watching.
    • Although in the anime it seems like he may have been referring to Ricardo, in the manga, Yagi pointed out that Kamogawa was watching the Leonard vs. Hearns title match.
  • According to the author, Ricardo is the second-strongest boxer, behind Mamoru Takamura and ahead of Ichirō Miyata.
  • Date, Sendō, Randy Boy Junior, and Alfredo are the only known individuals shown to set Ricardo as a specific goal in their boxing career.
  • In Round 175, Nakadai mentioned Date's match was Ricardo's first title defence at home. But in Round 332 (page 9), the announcer mentioned that Ricardo fought Date as his 2nd title defence.
    • Although not officially stated by the author, Ricardo probably fought Alfredo before and after Eiji Date's rematch.

References

  1. Round 1064, page 13
  2. Round 1309, page 17
  3. Round 1309, page 17
  4. Round 1309, page 17
  5. Round 1358, page 8
  6. Round 1269
  7. Round 1310, page 9
  8. Round 1388, Page 3
  9. Round 1407, page 15
  10. Round 332, Page 9
  11. Round 1358
  12. Round 1275
  13. Itagaki mentions his record is 68 Matches - 68 Wins - 62 KO's - 21 Title Defences
  14. Round 509
  15. Match Poster - 62 Fights - 62 Wins - 58 KO's
  16. Round 333
  17. Round 333 Announcer mentioned Ricardo defended the title for 7 years 10 months for 17 defences, meaning this is his 18th
  18. Round 1015
  19. Volume 38 summary says the match happened in 1986.
  20. Round 174 Ippo holds a magazine that says 1986 and it says Date left Japan for Mexico City in February 15.
  21. Round 174
  22. Round 175
  23. Round 174
  24. Round 174
  25. See Trivia Point
  26. Round 1360
  27. Round 1274, page 18
  28. Round 1269
  29. Round 1387
  30. Round 1417
  31. Round 1312
  32. Round 1403
  33. Volume 39's extra page
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