: Miyata ’s father advises him to forfeit due to the injury, but Miyata refuses. He is driven by his promise to fight Ippo Makunouchi in the finals. Critical Review & Impact
In , Chapter 70 (titled "The Spirit to Fight") focuses on the brutal semifinal match of the East Japan Rookie King Tournament between Ichiro Miyata and Ryo Mashiba . Key Plot Developments : Miyata ’s father advises him to forfeit
: Mashiba intentionally steps on Miyata's foot, causing a severe injury that leaves Miyata unable to move his lower body effectively. Key Plot Developments : Mashiba intentionally steps on
: It establishes the long-standing rivalry between Ippo and Miyata , as Miyata’s injury here ultimately prevents their scheduled match in the finals—a plot thread that remains a central motivator for the characters for hundreds of chapters afterward. : Miyata ’s father advises him to forfeit
: Despite being essentially immobile, Miyata relies solely on his upper body to dodge Mashiba's "Flicker Jabs." He manages to land a desperate counter-punch, which briefly halts Mashiba's onslaught until the round ends.