Ippo and Takamura watch Miyata"s bout, his second fight in the Eastern Japan Rookie ChampionshipTournament. Contrary to everybody"s expectations, Miyata poses as an in-fighter. It is a decisive change in style in anticipation of the bout with Ippo. His lightning-fast counter takes his opponent down with ease. Miyata is unstoppable now. Ippo must train harder. With the help of Takamura and the Kamogawa Gym"s gang, Ippo conquers his weakness and prepares himself for his next oppornent, Kobashi. Nobody thought Kobashi would be a serious threat to Ippo, but he falls for Kobashi"s clever plot. The time is running out; Ippo can"t win by points. He must K.O. Kobashi to win!