The debut match with Oda proceeds with an incessant barrage of power punches. Ippo's destructive force overwhelms Oda, but the unforeseen "accident" puts Ippo in danger of losing the match by TKO. Then, Ippo remembers what Takamura taught him when they first met... Following the debut match, the Eastern Japan Rookie Championship Tournament starts. Ippo's first opponent is Jason Ozma, an American KO artist with powerful hook. As the brutal match progresses, the fierce exchange of punches wear out both fighters. Can Ippo survive this match and advance to the final with his eternal rival Miyata?