The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki

In 1962, Olli Mäki transitions from being an amateur boxer to a professional athlete, marking a significant milestone in his sports career. This change sets the stage for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in his journey towards a championship match.

While attending a friend's wedding, Olli Mäki meets Raija, who captivates him with her charm and warmth. Their meeting sparks a romantic connection that leads to a deepening relationship, although it soon becomes a source of distraction for Olli as he prepares for his big fight.

Olli and Raija's romance develops further as they travel to Helsinki. It is here that Olli's manager, Elis Ask, begins organizing a monumental championship match against American boxer Davey Moore, positioning Olli for a pivotal moment in Finnish sports history.

Elis Ask, in his excitement, hires a film crew to document Olli's preparation for the match, adding more pressure to an already stressful situation. Olli faces the daunting task of shedding weight to qualify for the featherweight class, causing him to feel overwhelmed.

As Olli prepares for the fight, he finds himself in awkward social situations, attending lavish dinners with sponsors. These forced gatherings create further discomfort for Olli, who struggles to maintain focus on his training and his relationship with Raija.

Despite their deepening bond, Raija grows concerned about being a distraction for Olli as the fight approaches. Ultimately, she decides to return to her hometown of Kokkola, leaving Olli feeling the weight of her absence as he ramps up his training.

Realizing the importance of Raija in his life, Olli makes the decision to visit her in Kokkola. His journey back is spurred by the hope that her support will ground him amidst the chaotic build-up to the fight, despite Elis's increasing worry about Olli's preparations.

After meeting with Raija, Olli persuades Elis to allow him to train independently. He embarks on a rigorous training and weight loss regime, focusing solely on preparing for the crucial fight against Davey Moore.

On the day of the weigh-in, Olli successfully manages to shed the necessary weight just in time. In a heartfelt gesture, he also seizes the moment to propose to Raija, solidifying their bond with a promise for the future amidst the uncertainty of the fight.

The much-anticipated match takes place at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, where Olli starts strong in the first round. However, he faces challenges in the second round, suffering multiple knockdowns that eventually lead to a technical knockout called by the referee.

Despite the disappointment expressed by Elis regarding the loss, Olli experiences a sense of peace in defeat. He realizes that the journey and the connections he made along the way are more significant than the outcome of the fight itself.

After the post-fight dinner, Olli decides to leave alongside Raija, feeling content with their relationship and the experiences they shared. This decision reflects his priorities shifting from solely striving for victory to valuing personal connections and self-acceptance.