Ep 29. Naniwa Rocky

Hajime no Ippo season 1 episode 29 titled "Naniwa Rocky" features the continuation of the feud between Ippo and Miyata, though this time, the focus is on Miyata's father, a former boxer known as the "Naniwa Tiger."

The episode opens with Ippo and Miyata's father, who owns a gym in Osaka, watching a video of Miyata's recent matches. Miyata's father is impressed with his son's progress but notices a lack of heart in his fighting style. He believes this is due to Miyata's obsession with avenging his father's loss to Ippo's coach, Kamogawa.

Meanwhile, Ippo and his teammates are in Osaka for a training camp. They are surprised to find out that Miyata is also there, training in his father's gym. Ippo and Miyata share an awkward exchange, but it's clear that both are still determined to face each other in the ring.

Miyata's father decides to test Ippo's strength by setting up a sparring match between him and his gym's best fighter, a young boxer named Tatsuya Kimura. Kimura is known as the "Naniwa Rocky" due to his hard-hitting style that's reminiscent of Rocky Balboa.

Ippo is initially nervous about facing Kimura, but his coach's pep talk gives him the confidence he needs to step into the ring. The two boxers go at it with all they've got, each landing powerful punches that leave the other stunned. Ippo manages to keep up with Kimura's fast pace, a testament to his growth as a boxer.

As the match progresses, Ippo starts to feel the effects of Kimura's relentless fighting style. He struggles to keep up with Kimura's speed and power, but he refuses to give up. In the end, both boxers land a powerful punch at the same time, resulting in a double knockdown.

The sparring match is declared a draw, but it's clear that Ippo has earned the respect of Miyata's father and the other Osaka boxers.

The episode ends with Ippo and Miyata's father having a heart-to-heart conversation. Miyata's father tells Ippo about his past as a boxer and how he fell out of love with the sport after a particularly brutal match. He sees a similar passion in Ippo and urges him to never lose sight of why he started boxing in the first place.

Overall, "Naniwa Rocky" is a thrilling episode that highlights Ippo's growth as a boxer and the complicated relationship between him and Miyata. The addition of Kimura, a fierce fighter with a unique style, adds an extra layer of excitement to the episode. It's a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone interested in the world of boxing.