Makunouchi Ippo, a long-time victim of bullying, discovers a spark for change after being rescued by the boxer Takamura Mamoru. Encountering a new world at the Takamura boxing gym, Ippo finds his courage tested when challenged to punch a photo of his tormentor. Embracing a newfound determination, he pleads with Takamura to mentor him in boxing, leading to an impossible mission set before him. Driven by a desire to protect his devoted mother and improve himself, Ippo commits to a grueling week of training, marking the commencement of his ascent in the boxing realm.