So we see why Ricardo took an interest in ippo besides being the main character. He respects Ippos fighting style of always diving in head first into danger/someone stronger (the risky dempsey-roll), despite being really dumb dangerous and predicable, it challenges his opponents and in turn brings the best out of him (remember miyata metaphor of ippo being a bell, the harder you hit the better the sound). Obviously Ricardo doesn't have that fighting style but he wanted someone strong that can lit his fighting spirit out of him and enjoy boxing but he's too talented refined, even god-like that he's getting bored of boxing.
My prediction (prob everyone's as well): Sendo's will challenge Ricardo, Ricardo hopes he can bring out the beast in him, sendo almost does, he losses. Ippo comes back, 1,000 chapter laters, Ippo fights and beats Ricardo.