Ippo challenges Date, the current Japanese featherweight champion. Both warriors train themselves rigorously for the title match. While Date recalls his humiliating defeat at the world championship title match years ago, Ippo tries to grasp the true meaning of Date"s comment, "Your fists are light." The bell rings. Ippo, in spite of the anxiety he feels toward the corkscrew blow, challenges Date to an in-fighting bout. Date, recognizing Ippo as his best opponent, answers to his challenge. Can Ippo live up to the legendary champion"s high expectations?