Makunouchi Ippo is a 16-year-old high school student who assists his mother in managing the family business. His heavy workload hinders his social life, rendering him an easy target for bullies. One day, while being beaten by a group of high school students, Ippo is rescued by a boxer named Mamoru Takamura and taken to the Kamogawa Boxing Gym. This after-school bullying incident turns his life around for the better, as Ippo discovers his latent talent for boxing and decides to pursue the sport professionally. However, Mamoru doubts Ippo's determination and assigns him a task deemed impossible to complete; yet the resolute Ippo trains tirelessly to fulfill his mission. Along the way, he learns what it means to attain true strength while making new friends and fighting formidable foes.