Why is the author (and Ippo) talking like the Coach is dead?
I have realized this for a long time, but Morikawa really likes to set up these "moments" that he tries to force into being dramatic or meaningful with some "poignant" message. But they end up either completely disregarded or contradicted a few chapters later.
Case in point: Ippo beating himself up over using "violence" outside of the ring against Tahei for multiple chapters, and eventually getting a scolding from Kamogawa for his behavior (plus 3 months of cleaning duties). Meanwhile, Takamura regularly attacks people inside and outside of the gym for no good reason (while Ippo was justified). Most recently Takamura sexually assaulted Aoki, and possibly ruined his career (no more frog punches) but Kamogawa turns a blind eye.