Hajime no Ippo is one of the most action packed classic anime. Who would've thought that boxing anime can be as much as exciting as boxing in real life. The manga still exists even after 2 decades and whats more surprising is it gets getting better and better. With more than 1300+ chapters it is hard to imagine what kind of fights happened after the anime ends.
So to give you a few spoilers I will give my Top 10 Fights in Hajime no Ippo. Don't worry I'll try to keep it minimal and keep the excitement.
10. Makunouchi Ippo vs Antonio Guevara
Manga: Chapter 1174
This comes from manga so its a big spoiler. This is a huge turning point in the story since this is the fight that makes Ippo retire from boxing. Antonio Guevara is a Filipino professional boxer and current Featherweight Champion after defeating Malcolm Gedo (the same nationality and also defeated by Ippo). He is just a teenager at that time came from a poor family (highly reference to Manny Pacquiao). To be honest Ippo can win this fight but he become greedy to show his 3rd evolution Dempsey Roll which makes Guevara turn the tides and make a comeback. His southpaw style may be a huge factor why Dempsey Roll failed. Still this one is a must look forward fight in Hajime Ippo.
9. Makunouchi Ippo vs Alfredo Gonzales
Manga: Chapter 1046
Alfredo Gonzales is the first Mexican opponent of Ippo and also the second person to defeat Ippo. He grow up in a place where he is exposed to street fights and thats where he is introduced to boxing. He could be number 1 if Ricardo Martinez didn't exist. His loses all came from Martinez and thats his goal why he decided to fight again. This fight is very crucial to Ippo since he is aiming for the world title. And it all ended in 7th round where Ippo has a huge chance of winning until Gonzales landed a counter punch that Knocked Ippo's out. Still one of the most exciting fights of Ippo in the whole series.
8. Sawamura Ryuhei vs Mashiba Ryo
Manga: Chapter 678
This fight is definitely bloody. These two are defeated by Ippo but if you look closely, they have similarities. They just turn boxing into brawl. Using illegal blows and underhanded tricks, this fight is just brutal. Both of them are even hospitalised after the match. But this fight is still entertaining. 2 boxers with dark and gloomy personality. Entered the ring just to brawl is just one hell of a match. Kudos to Morikawa sensei for giving this match.
7. Alfredo Gonzales vs Takeshi Sendo
Manga: Chapter 1299
After defeating Ippo, Takeshi seeking for a match against Gonzales. He even personally go to Mexico just to challenge him. Imagine Ippo defeated Sendo twice and and Sendo challenge the person who defeated Ippo. It may sound stupid and the result is obvious. But if you read the manga, you can see how much is the improvement of Sendo. And this match is just dream come true for Sendo. They are like Sawamura vs Mashiba but with cleaner boxing. Both of them are brawlers but they still settle the match with clean sportsmanship. One of the greatest match of Sendo and one of the best match in Hajime no Ippo.
6. Ichiro Miyata vs Randy Boy Jr.
Manga: Chapter 661
Randy Boy Jr. Is one of the most interesting boxer in this series. He is also a Filipino boxer with no defeats. He can also switch between being left handed to right handed which makes him hard to read. And what makes him more interesting is when he enraged Ippo in a one sparring match and the two almost faught. And coincidentally his father is the one who defeated and ended Miyata's father career in boxing. Randy Boy unpredictability vs Miyata speed and techniques, how will this match ends?. Very interesting match that also the match that pressure Ippo in entering the world stage.
5. Saeki Takuma vs Manabu Itagaki
Manga: Chapter 963
This fight is the battle of speed. Saeki once defeated by Ippo and Itagaki is Ippo's junior in the Gym. This is my personal favorite and I consider the best fight of Manabu Itagaki. This is where he first use "Itagaki Shuffle" which is based from Muhammad Ali "Ali Shuffle". This is a fierce fight between two lightning fast fighters and probably where you'll like the character of Itagaki. He holds the potential of rivaling Ippo or even Miyata.
4. Mamoru Takamura vs David Eagle
Anime: Season 3 Episode 19
The remaining in this list all came from anime. I don't know but after the anime I can't find fights that can beat this Top 4. And Takamura vs Eagle is just one of the best fights in this series. This is where we can first see Takamura fight professionally. This fight between Takamura and the American champion is just wholesome. Although it is not as good as Hawk but still it is the number 4 and memorable in this list. You'll respect Takamura in this one.
3. Makunouchi Ippo vs Takeshi Sendo
Anime: Season 1 Episode 71
Ippo and Sendo rivalry is just similar to the rivalry of Pacquiao and Marquez. And their fight in this arc is just insane. Their head to head fight in the last round is just insane. I really think this is the kind of fight Makunouchi lost that makes him lost to his opponents in his last 2 fights. This is where the beast Makunouchi started and I really hope I can see him fight like this again.
2. Mamoru Takamura vs Bryan Hawk
Anime: Season 2 Episode 20
This fight is just very chilling. It looks like a fight between two monsters. You'll hate Bryan Hawk and want to support Takamura in destroying his face. This fight is really intense that you just want to see more of Takamura matches in the future. Especially now that he has a match of fearsome opponent named Dragon. So far it is Takamura's best fight and all time number 2 fight in the series. This man is just hilarious outside but when he entered the ring he's just a monster and a respectable boxer.
1. Sawamura Ryuhei vs Makunouchi Ippo
Anime: season 3 Episode 11
And the number 1 is still Sawamura vs Makunouchi. This fight still gives me goosebumps especially the time where Ippo uses the first evolution of Dempsey Roll. This fight is very unusual since we all know that Sawamura is a cold blooded brawler while Ippo is just a normal boy who usually hates fighting in his school days. But still this fight is one of a kind and the best in the series. I don't know maybe its because of the animation but the manga vibes is still in there though. The recklessness and technique of Ippo in this fight is really insane. I can clearly say that this is his prime since after this fight all of his matches weren't as good as this. I'm just waiting for his comeback and hoping to see another Sendo or Sawamura fight again.
The manga keeps getting better. I really do hope Ippo return to ring once more and challenge the world once again. But I think if it happened he will not be the Ippo once knew. Just like what Takamura says. Only "Monsters" can enter the world stage. If Ippo return, we can witness the more fearing and dangerous version of Ippo. That's what we need to lookout for.
