As the final match of the Eastern Japan Rookie Championship tournament takes place, Ippo faces Mashiba with his damaged right fist and a vow to keep the promise he made with Miyata. Mashiba draws his "flickers" incessantly; Ippo decides not to protect his fist any more. Mashiba clinches to block Ippo"s body punches, but Ippo keeps punching with all his might. Who will win? After the tournament, Ippo receives a surprise visit by "Rocky of Naniwa."