The BEST Episodes of Hajime no Ippo
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: May 14, 2021
Network: Nippon TV
Makunouchi Ippo is an ordinary high school student in Japan. Since he spends most of his time away from school helping his mother run the family business, he doesn't get to enjoy his younger years like most teenagers. Always a target for bullying at school (the family fishing business grants him a distinct odor), Ippo's life is one of hardship. One of these after-school bullying sessions turns Ippo's life around for the better, as he is saved by a boxer named Takamura. He decides to follow in Takamura's footsteps and train to become a boxer, giving his life direction and purpose. Ippo's path to perfecting his pugilistic prowess is just beginning ...
#1 - The King
Season 2 - Episode 24 - Aired Jun 17, 2009
Takamura is knocked unconscious while standing yet again, and remembers all of the pain, suffering, and disrespect he faced for the sake of this match. Realizing that his pain is because of Bryan Hawk, he begins fighting back, this time driven purely by instinct and anger. Takamura turns the table, but the champion on the ropes has one last trick up his sleeve...
9.30 
#2 - The Anti-Dempsey Perfected
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired Jan 4, 2014
Ippo mounts a desperate, full frontal assault as Sawamura continues to toy with him. Determined to take back the pace, Ippo begins to dodge the Bullets and get into a rhythm as he strikes back. Almost naturally he falls into the Dempsey Roll pattern, and Sawamura makes his move!
9.06 
#3 - A Fist That Picks You Up
Season 3 - Episode 13 - Aired Jan 4, 2014
The evolved Dempsey Roll saved Ippo from the jaws of defeat. Bolstered by the cheering fans, he chases down Sawamura. But with Sawamura more willing than ever to risk an illegal move, will Ippo's last bit of energy be enough to defend the title?
8.97 
#4 - Mix-Up
Season 1 - Episode 74 - Aired Mar 20, 2002
8.85 
#5 - Brawl
Season 2 - Episode 22 - Aired Jun 3, 2009
Takamura is outsped once more and knocked unconscious, but manages to recover just in time. Relying on what he has learned from the coach, he knocks down Hawk and discovers his weakness! An all-out brawl ensues and Takamura comes out on top! Takamura begins the next round with a KO proclamation - but can he really end the fight in this round?
8.78 
#6 - Battle of Hawk
Season 2 - Episode 21 - Aired May 27, 2009
Takamura takes the pace at the beginning of the match, but Hawk unveils his unique style that allows him to dodge and attack simultaneously! After being caught off-guard and taking a beating in the first round, Takamura uses his speedy footwork to circle around Hawk, but Hawk outspeeds him and knocks him down. Can Takamura learn to counter Hawk's wild fighting style in time?
8.74 
#7 - A Vow
Season 3 - Episode 25 - Aired Mar 29, 2014
Kamogawa resorts to pounding a log with his bare fists as he trains to face Anderson and avenge Nekota. Anderson rediscovers his pride as a boxer and brings Miguel along as his cornerman. Everything comes down to this!
8.66 
#8 - New Challenger
Season 2 - Episode 26 - Aired Jul 1, 2009
When Miyata confronts Ippo about their promise, it is revealed that Miyata has risen far above Ippo's level due to his over-reliance on the Dempsey Roll. When Ippo's next challenger, Shimabukuro Iwao, declares that he will destroy the Dempsey Roll, Ippo decides to train his Dempsey Roll so that it has no weaknesses. The coach decides to help Ippo, even if it means fighting against modern boxing itself!
8.66 
#9 - Spirit For One Last Attack
Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired Feb 25, 2009
8.66 
#10 - Supporting Hand
Season 2 - Episode 23 - Aired Jun 10, 2009
Despite using all of his remaining energy, Takamura cannot break through Hawk's defense and is left with no way to fight back. Hawk's wild bloodlust comes out, and he aims to kill Takamura in the ring! With nothing supporting him but the love of his friends and the coach's help, can Takamura mount a comeback?
8.66 
#11 - Victory or Defeat
Season 1 - Episode 28 - Aired Apr 17, 2001
Ippo defeats Mashiba for Rookie King of Eastren Japan.
8.65 
#12 - Conclusion
Season 1 - Episode 57 - Aired Nov 14, 2001
8.57 
#13 - The Road Back
Season 1 - Episode 62 - Aired Dec 19, 2001
Coach returns from the hospital, and Makunochi "hits without being hit".
8.50 
#14 - 100% Fake
Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired Nov 1, 2013
Imae’s long hours of research quickly pay off as he decimates Aoki by countering every one of his trademark attacks, even the Frog Punch! As Tomiko watches on and the crowd awaits the inevitable knockout, Aoki does something that leaves the whole arena in shock.
8.38 
#15 - Into the next step
Season 1 - Episode 75 - Aired Mar 27, 2002
Ippo and Sendo's match concludes.
8.35 
#16 - Time for the Showdown
Season 1 - Episode 71 - Aired Feb 27, 2002
8.32 
#17 - Surpass that Moment
Season 1 - Episode 73 - Aired Mar 13, 2002
8.31 
#18 - Critical Situation
Season 2 - Episode 19 - Aired May 13, 2009
The coach and Nagi see Hawk's devastating boxing firsthand. Takamura barely makes weight and is taunted by Hawk for his skinny appearance. Later, when a press conference turns into utter chaos, all of Japan roots for Takamura to beat Hawk. Ippo makes a risky promise to Takamura, but will he be able to fulfill it?
8.28 
#19 - Fearless Challenger
Season 3 - Episode 11 - Aired Dec 28, 2013
Sawamura's blatant fouls and bullet-like left jabs leave Ippo scrambling to establish some kind of rhythm. He stubbornly forces his way inside, but is he charging headfirst into a trap?
8.27 
#20 - The Rookie King
Season 1 - Episode 34 - Aired May 29, 2001
8.27 
#21 - Ippo At The Beach 2
Season 2 - Episode 13 - Aired Apr 1, 2009
8.27 
#22 - The End of the Death Match
Season 3 - Episode 21 - Aired Mar 1, 2014
8.24 
#23 - Lallapallooza
Season 1 - Episode 72 - Aired Mar 6, 2002
8.21 
#24 - A Woman's Battle
Season 3 - Episode 3 - Aired Oct 19, 2013
Ippo emerges victorious after a vicious war with Shimabukuro, and Itagaki’s sister Nanako comes to pay him a visit at home while he rests. Meanwhile, Aoki is busy preparing for his first ever title match against the lightweight champion Imae Katsutaka.
8.19 
#25 - Forward! Forward!!
Season 1 - Episode 22 - Aired Mar 6, 2001
Ippo defeats Hayami via K.O. Ippo's training with Aoki and Kimura's help Ippo win the match.
8.17