A flashback tells the story about Ippo's father and what happened to him. Ippo's next title defenses match begins, Ippo's opponent is Shimabukuro Iwao, someone with a similar record to him.
Itagaki's sister Nanako, Kumi, and Mari all visit Ippo after his match although he's resting. Aoki gets ready for his title match that's coming up soon.
Aoki and Imae have their weigh-in. Imae refuses to shake Aoki's hand at the weigh-in. Itagaki has an opening match before Aoki but struggles because he ate something the day before the match. Aoki's title match starts.
Aoki and Imae's title match has already started, Aoki tries his Frog punch twice, both times it didn't work. For the whole match, Aoki uses odd movements and weird tactics.
Aoki gets's himself, two lackeys. Takamura announces that he wants to move up a weight class before his title defense match. Ippo picks Sawamura Ryuuhei as his next opponent and watches his boxing matches.
Ippo wants to evolve the Dempsy roll and asks Kimura and Itagaki for help. When training, Ippo meets Vorg, Ippo invites Vorg to stay at his house because he has nowhere to stay.
Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki ask Volg to spar with Ippo and perform the Anti-Dempsy. When sparring with Ippo Volg does the Anti-Dempsy which Kos Ippo. Volg leaves to America.
The move to evolve Ippo's Dempsy roll takes its toll on Ippo's body. Sawamura grazes Kumi with a punch for being near his bike. Date, Sendo, Miyata, and Mashiba all go to watch Ippo's fight with Sawamura.
When the match between Sawamura and Ippo begins Sawamura uses dirty tactics against Ippo. Later in the fight, Sawamura changes his stance making Ippo thinks twice before attacking him.