 The game has two modes , a single player story mode and a multi @-@ player versus mode . The story mode follows the boxing careers of the main characters from the original series . All characters available to the player are from the Kamogawa Boxing Gym . Cut scenes are added in before and after matches as the main story telling device , and utilize the same character models as the fights . The game has six story arcs and begins with Makunouchi Ippo , the protagonist from the manga series . Story mode also unlocks more options in the versus mode as a player progresses through the story . Once a character has been played or a special technique learned , they become available in the versus mode . Likewise , once an opponent has been beaten , they are playable in the versus mode . 
