[darkchyld]

Sure it is a running gag in the series that he is soooo immature when it comes to women but at some point in the series he has to take a step forward. Come on in 800+ chapters he hasn't even told her he likes her. But don't take it like I want this to turn into some sort of shoujo manga cause I don't, but I feel bad for the boy is he going to be the world champion and a virgin? I think it is time for a step forward since things have kind of stalled out.

[pancreaticforce]

Have you ever heard the saying "don't show the monster"? 800 chaps is a long time to be idly batting at the idea of going on a date, but you gotta figure ippo wouldn't be the same if he didn't have girl troubles. It just makes the story more interesting for him to be sooooo close he can taste it but it gets ripped away from him at the last second. The romance in this series seems to be tied to his approach to the world title, he may end up with an arc involving his love for Kumi during the World title fight. He becomes the world Champ and gets laid! greatest day ever!!!!

One interesting thought.
The author might be avoiding it because Ippo might actually kill kumi, given that his manliness is a bit... exorbant. That would make for a reeeaally awkward series and would just be sad, not to mention her dear broha would most likely end Ippo, which would end the series.

[darkchyld]

But he is also the Japanese Champion aren't there women who are willing to throw themselves at him? Look at how popular Date and Sendo were they were like idols but somehow Ippo manages to avoid all of that. But surely there are some women who would be more aggressive and throw themselves at him thinking since he is the champ he should be loaded.

[The metal guy]

It dosn't need to happend in the near future, but just like you i think that something gota happend.
Like the 'maybe' arc at the WBA fight and he gets laid, i think the series is open for that kind of stuff cuz Tomiko and Aoki is banging all the time.