Ep. 9: Manabu Itagaki joins Kamogawa gym while Ippo faces familiar rival Hammer Nao

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Itagaki Manabu, the runner-up from the previous year's inter-high tournament, officially joins the Kamogawa gym. Meanwhile, Ippo encounters a new opponent named Hammer Nao. This fighter is a familiar figure to Ippo and his peers, adding a layer of personal history to the upcoming match. The episode focuses on these developments within the boxing world, highlighting the integration of a seasoned competitor into the gym and the specific challenge posed by a known adversary for the protagonist.