Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura

Tatsuya Kimura finally earns a challenge for Ryo Mashiba's Japanese junior-lightweight title. Having watched his gymmates achieve the success he still seeks, Kimura commits himself completely to a match that may determine whether he continues boxing at all.

He turns to Ichiro Miyata for insight into Mashiba's difficult style and searches for a punch capable of breaking through the champion's reach. Mashiba, meanwhile, has ambitions of his own and no intention of surrendering his belt. Their bout becomes a test of preparation, endurance, and the ability to make one hard-won opening count.