Ninety minutes and almost all of it is one fight, and it still leaves you wrecked. Sanada Kazuki is the worst possible first title defense: a medical student who studies Ippo like a case file, throws the Smash that curls around a guard nobody can raise in time, and then goes back to the hospital where Kumi works and everyone there knows exactly who he is. That corner subplot lands harder than it should, Kamogawa staring across at Hama Dankichi, an old rivalry getting a second round through two younger men's fists. When the Dempsey Roll finally comes, you have already watched Ippo eat enough punishment to earn it. Yes, the choreography borrows rhythms from the Sendo bout, and Sanada is more obstacle than person. Doesn't matter. It hits the same nerve Rocky and Ashita no Joe hit, and you will be sitting forward the whole time.

Ippo has finally claimed the Featherweight championship belt, but wearing the crown means defending it against hungry challengers. His first defense comes against Sanada Kazuki, a former Jr. Featherweight champ with an unexpected edge: he's a medical student whose hospital workplace just happens to employ Kumi, the woman Ippo loves. Things get messier when Sanada's corner includes Hama Dankichi, a former rival of Kamogawa's. The fight becomes personal on multiple fronts. Sanada, who draws on his understanding of human anatomy in the ring, has the hospital staff cheering for him. Ippo must hold on to his title and win over Kumi at the same time. His opponent fights with knowledge and institutional support; Ippo fights with everything he has left to fight for.