5 anime shows every Boxing fan must watch

Anime is a popular medium of animation that is created and published in Japan. The various genres and impressive storylines have captivated a large audience throughout the years. A major audience that anime has captured through its illustrious and dynamic animation and storytelling is fight fans. Through the medium, fans can understand the intricacies of the sport of boxing.

Mixed martial artists like Israel Adesanya and Ronda Rousey are known to follow and admire anime. With series like Haikyu!! and Slam Dunk, sports anime has risen as one of the best genres in the medium. Boxing anime, being one of them, is highly respected by fans.

Let’s check out five anime shows that every boxing fan must watch.

#5 – Ashita no Joe

One of the oldest boxing anime shows (debuted in 1981), Ashita no Joe, is a story about a man who is a troubled young gun. The protagonist, Joe, often gets into brawls on the street and lives his life as a delinquent. When former boxing coach turned alcoholic Danpei Tange witnesses one of the scuffles, he invites Joe to train under him. He wants to turn his life around, and joins the gym, but has a hard time throughout his boxing career as he falls back into his old ways.

This is quite an inspiring story for upcoming boxers. One of the best boxers, Mike Tyson, has had a similar upbringing. The discipline the sport requires has helped a lot of previously misguided boxers. Heavyweight contender, Anthony Joshua, is one of them.

#4 – Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Written by Syun Matsuena, Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is about a 15-year-old high school student who struggles with self-doubt. However, as he meets martial artist Ryouzanpaku, he learns the discipline that follows the sport. Kenichi takes a step toward becoming a better person upon discovering the world of martial arts.

Although not exclusively boxing, Kenichi’s story resonated highly with a lot of fans. Upon watching the show, one will understand the difficulties of overcoming a frightened state of mind. Even one of the most feared boxers Mike Tyson had spoken about, the fear it takes to follow a discipline and get into the ring to fight. Ultimately, Kenichi: The Mightiest Discipline covers a young man overcoming anxious thoughts and being an underdog.

#3 – Baki

The 2018 released anime, Baki, is a follow-up of the show ‘Baki: The Grappler.’ The show is about a young man, Baki Hanma, who knows nothing but fighting. The fighter took upon a mission to beat the most feared man and father Yuujirou Hanma. The sequel follows a tournament where the protagonist faces five incredibly dangerous death row inmates who have managed to escape.

Although hugely exaggerated, Baki is a show that follows the art of fighting. Mastering a discipline to perfection also meets downsides. The WBC heavyweight champion of the world, Tyson Fury, has spoken about his disinterest in everything except boxing. Identical to Fury, Baki puts himself in a state of absolute perfection in fighting and attempts to defeat the dangerous inmates.

#2 – Megalobox

Calling Megalobox futuristic is an understatement. This anime aired in 2018 is said to stand the test of time ten years down the line. The show is about a tournament by the name of ‘Megalonia,’ where boxers use ‘Gear.’ They are mechanical limbs that the contenders wear to take each other on in a ring. ‘Junk Dog,’ also known as Joe, is an underground fighter who manages to climb the ranks in the tournament despite facing several adversaries.

Regarded as the Greatest of All Time, Muhammad Ali was considered an underdog in his bout against Sonny Liston. The underdog stories in boxing resonate with many, as a lot of fighters rise above despite being on the opposing side of betting. Similarly, Joe meets a lot of difficulties throughout his run in the tournament and attempts to get to the top.

#1 – Hajime no Ippo

Arguably the most popular boxing anime, Hajime no Ippo is said to be the greatest boxing anime of all time. The story follows Ippo Makunouchi, a passionate young man who helps his mother in the absence of his father. His journey from being a kid who gets picked on by bullies to one of the strongest contenders in boxing is truly an inspirational story.

This influential show talks about the discipline of the sport. Ippo being a very trained individual follows the art of self-improvement from each fight. His willingness to not give up despite taking powerful blows reminds fans of boxing champions like Deontay Wilder, who refuses to go down unless he is knocked out. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ went as far as to fire his trainer following a towel throw in the second bout against Tyson Fury.

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