: Introduces Coach Genji Kamogawa , the gym's manager Haruhiko Yagi , and Ippo's lifelong rival Ichiro Miyata . Plot Summary
: Although Miyata technically "wins" the sparring match by points and skill, the encounter sparks a fierce rivalry. Coach Kamogawa recognizes Ippo’s raw power and fighting spirit, officially accepting him as a student. Key Techniques & Highlights Hajime no Ippo Episode 2
: Ippo begins to show the explosive power in his torso, a result of years spent hauling heavy fishing boat equipment. : Introduces Coach Genji Kamogawa , the gym's
: While Miyata dominates the match with superior speed and technique, Ippo surprises everyone with his incredible durability and a single, devastatingly powerful punch that manages to knock Miyata down. Key Techniques & Highlights : Ippo begins to
: Having no formal training, Ippo is instructed to use the "Turtle Strategy"—keeping his guard high and tight to weather Miyata's high-speed barrages.
: In the manga, Coach Kamogawa and Yagi are seen watching the famous Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns match, whereas the anime focuses more on the immediate tension in the gym. Manga Guide | Wiki Ippo | Fandom
After completing the initial "leaf-catching" test set by Takamura, Ippo is finally brought to the . Coach Kamogawa is initially skeptical of the timid boy, so he arranges a sparring match between Ippo and Ichiro Miyata, a skilled 15-year-old prodigy with years of experience, to test Ippo's potential.