The Best Episodes of Hajime no Ippo
Last Updated: Apr 9, 2019
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
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...
9.35 
#2 - The Anti-Dempsey Perfected
Season 3 - Episode 12
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!
8.97 
#3 - A Fist That Picks You Up
Season 3 - Episode 13
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?
8.88 
#4 - Mix-Up
Season 1 - Episode 74
8.74 
#5 - Battle of Hawk
Season 2 - Episode 21
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?
8.70 
#6 - Brawl
Season 2 - Episode 22
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?
8.67 
#7 - Supporting Hand
Season 2 - Episode 23
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?
8.58 
#8 - Hawk vs. Eagle
Season 3 - Episode 19
It's finally time for the main event, Takamura Mamoru vs. David Eagle! The challenger is full of vim and vigor, but even in the face of Takamura's fury, Eagle's face remains calm and collected.
8.54 
#9 - The Road Back
Season 1 - Episode 62
Coach returns from the hospital, and Makunochi "hits without being hit".
8.48 
#10 - A Lesson Never Forgotten
Season 3 - Episode 20
Despite being stymied by Eagle, Takamura assures his corner he has a plan for victory. Just as he seems to be making progress, a shocking development changes the entire fight.
8.46 
#11 - Spirit For One Last Attack
Season 2 - Episode 8
8.41 
#12 - Conclusion
Season 1 - Episode 57
8.39 
#13 - The End of the Death Match
Season 3 - Episode 21
8.39 
#14 - 100% Fake
Season 3 - Episode 5
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.
8.37 
#15 - Time for the Showdown
Season 1 - Episode 71
8.32 
#16 - Into the next step
Season 1 - Episode 75
Ippo defeats Sendo and becomes the Japanese Featherweight Champion.
8.31 
#17 - Surpass that Moment
Season 1 - Episode 73
8.29 
#18 - The Rookie King
Season 1 - Episode 34
8.23 
#19 - Critical Situation
Season 2 - Episode 19
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?
8.21 
#20 - Fearless Challenger
Season 3 - Episode 11
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?
8.21 
#21 - Ippo At The Beach 2
Season 2 - Episode 13
8.19 
#22 - A Vow
Season 3 - Episode 25
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!
8.19 
#23 - Forward! Forward!!
Season 1 - Episode 22
Ippo defeats Hayami via K.O. Ippo's training with Aoki and Kimura's help Ippo win the match.
8.18 
#24 - Tears of Joy
Season 1 - Episode 3
Ippo loses his first sparring session, but shows enough potential to be accepted into the gym.
8.13 
#25 - Lallapallooza
Season 1 - Episode 72
8.13