The Jake Paul Fight Was Boring, But This Boxing Anime Is Anything But

As a die-hard fan of boxing and anime, let me tell you that I’ve been left reeling since the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson match fizzled out like a cheap firework on November 15th. But fear not, fellow fans, for we’ve got a savior in our corner: the legendary Hajime no Ippo!


Spectators eagerly anticipated the much-touted Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson boxing duel on November 15th, hoping to either witness Jake Paul’s legitimacy as a boxer or see him succumb to Mike Tyson’s formidable fists. Regrettably, no such outcome was realized, leaving fans yearning for electrifying boxing entertainment. But fear not, as the legendary anime series Hajime no Ippo, hailed as the greatest boxing anime ever made, is here to quench your thirst for exhilarating boxing action.

Titled “Ippo: The Albatross,” this sports anime narrates the story of a teenager named Ippo. At high school, he faces common challenges such as a lack of companionship and harassment from bullies. However, when his tormentors are dealt with by heavyweight boxer Mamoru Takamura, Ippo is captivated by the sport. Eager to master boxing, Ippo traces Takamura back to the Kamogawa Boxing Gym and humbly requests the gym owner to train him as a student.

Hajime no Ippo Features Realistic Boxing

Similar to many spectators, Makunouchi Ippo initially possesses little to no knowledge about boxing. When his mentor, Genji Kamogawa, instructs him to punch the heavy bag, his approach is rudimentary at best. One captivating element of this anime is its gradual immersion into the realm of amateur boxing, allowing viewers to grasp the essential rules and methods alongside Ippo. During his initial training session, Ippo exhibits all the mistakes a novice could make when throwing a cross. After witnessing the proper technique, it’s tempting to leap from your seat and join him in training.

In order to showcase his abilities, Makunouchi Ippo elects to participate in amateur boxing matches. These captivating contests seamlessly merge the ’90s and ’00s anime style of rich voiceovers and introspective thoughts with intense boxing encounters. Each adversary offers Makunouchi a fresh approach to boxing, presenting him with distinct personal hurdles. Some boast intricate fighting techniques, forcing Makunouchi to decipher their method during the bout. Others are relentless brawlers, pushing his mental fortitude, tenacity, and willpower to triumph.

Through its 76 episodes (excluding spin-offs), the character Ippo evolves from a timid, apprehensive newcomer into a self-assured boxer and guide to fellow gym neophytes. Hajime no Ippo showcases more than just thrilling boxing matches; it’s one of the most motivational sports anime ever produced. A great sports series should not only be enjoyable, but also stir the desire within you to enroll and begin training. Hajime no Ippo accomplishes this perfectly, inspiring countless viewers to take up boxing – its impact was so significant that it served as a major source of inspiration for Michael B. Jordan’s fight scenes in Creed III.

But you don’t even need to go to a boxing gym to get on board with the sport (although you definitely should). Despite some anime flair, all of the techniques in Hajime no Ippo are legit. Makunouchi’s “Dempsey Roll” is inspired by real-life boxer Jack Dempsey. The “Hitman Style” is inspired by the Philly Shell guard used by American boxers like Floyd Mayweather Jr.. Even Aoki Masaru’s ridiculous “Frog Punch” was used by fighters like Kouichi Wajima — although, it’s now illegal under most boxing rules. As Makunouchi learns to box, we can learn with him, understanding the basics of a jab, a cross, hip rotation, and all the essential aspects of the sport.

Makunouchi Ippo Fights Like Mike Tyson

The anime “Hajime no Ippo” shares a significant link with the Jake Paul/Mike Tyson fight beyond just featuring boxing as their common sport. Intriguingly, the fighting stance of the character Makunouchi in the series bears a striking resemblance to that of Mike Tyson. While Jack Dempsey’s style was emulated by Ippo, Makunouchi’s technique closely mirrors Tyson’s signature “peek-a-boo” style, which is an embodiment of the “Dempsey Roll.” It takes Makunouchi some time to adapt to this fighting style, but when he learns to channel his natural strength effectively, his boxing matches mimic Mike Tyson at his peak.

Did you also notice that Mike Tyson kept biting his glove during the fight? The Internet may believe he got a bit peckish, or it was a taunt to do with the infamous Evander Holyfield fight in 1996, but Hajime no Ippo has the answer. Boxing is tremendously tiring, and the first thing fighters do when they’re tired is drop their hands, but Genji Kamogawa teaches Makunouchi an old-school trick to keep his hands up. Ippo is forced to spar while biting his gloves (when he’s not punching). This builds the habit of keeping his hands up even in the later rounds. Having stepped out of the ring for years, Mike Tyson was likely reverting back to the old trick to ensure his defence was solid.

Hajime no Ippo” is an ideal anime for anyone, whether they have a tiny fascination or an immense passion for boxing and sports in general. It boasts all the cherished elements of the classic rags-to-riches narrative, and its portrayal of actual boxing techniques adds authenticity. Not only does it surpass the excitement level of the Jake Paul/Mike Tyson fight, but it will also provide valuable insights for understanding boxing ahead of Paul’s next match.

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2024-11-18 21:40