In the exhilarating realm of anime, boxing has emerged as a gripping theme that captures the hearts of anime and sports enthusiasts. The genre offers the perfect blend of action, drama, and sometimes also romance, whichwould make for great live-action adaptations.
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From adrenaline-fueled matches to compelling character arcs,martial arts anime offers a knockout combination of excitement and drama. There are classics that paved the way, as well as newer shows that put on a great fight.
Levius is agreat anime to watch on Netflix, with a dose of cyberpunk and dystopia. It basically pushes the cybernetically advanced individuals into the lethal sport that we all know as boxing. Set in a post-war era, the anime follows the journey of Levius Cromwell, a young fighter who enters the brutal world of mechanical boxing.
Levius has stunning visuals, intense action sequences, and a thought-provoking narrative, making it a must-watch.
9Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple does not only focus on boxing but martial arts in general. A timid high school student becomes entangled with a girl and ends up training under various masters.
Kenichi hones his skills, gains confidence, and ends up facing various formidable opponents along the way. Combining humor, intense training scenes, and great battles, the series offers lots of laughs, and it’ll surely catch you off-guard in several scenarios.
8Slow Step
Slow Step allows you to embark on a journey of personal growth and romance by following the life of Minatsu Nakazato. She is a shy and talented high school softball player who finds herself caught in a love triangle.
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On one side of the love triangle is Naoto Kadomatsu, a third-year student in the boxing club, and on the other side is Akiba Shuu, a classmate of Minatsu and also a member of the boxing club.
7Megalo Box
Megalo Box is yet another series that takes place in a gritty and dystopian future where fighters enhance their strength and agility with mechanical exoskeletons. Fighters all around the world attempt to compete for glory at the prestigious Megalomania tournament.
Junk Dog is a talented underground boxer who lives on the fringes of society and seizes the opportunity to enter the tournament. The anime offers great boxing scenes while adding a thrilling sci-fi twist.
6One Pound Gospel
One Pound Gospel is a heartwarming sports comedy and an oftenunderrated anime series that you shouldn’t miss out on. The story follows the unlikely pairing of Kosaku Hatanaka, a talented but overweight boxer, and Sister Angela, a dedicated nun with a soft spot for the boy’s struggles.
As Kosaku trains rigorously to achieve his boxing dreams, he finds himself grappling not only with opponents in the ring but also with his insatiable appetite for food.
5Nozomi Witches
Nozomi WItches revolves around a former actress who returns to Japan from New Zealand. As she settles into her new life, she encounters Ryotaro Shoba, her high school neighbor.
Intrigued by Ryotaro’s decision to join the school’s boxing club, Nozomi finds herself drawn to the world of boxing. The anime explores their journey as they navigate the challenges of high school and the pursuit of their passions.
4Kengan Ashura
Kengan Ashura brings you to the high-stakes world of underground fighting. Powerful corporations settle their disputes through brutal hand-to-hand combat, with their wealth, influence, and honor at stake.
The story follows Ohma Tokita, a formidable fighter, as he represents the Nogi Group in the Kengan Annihilation Tournament. In the massive ocean of anime shows, Kengan Ashura is one of the latest and most underrated ones that deserve your attention.
3Tomorrow’s Joe
Tomorrow’s Joe, also known as Ashita no Joe, is a timeless series that follows the remarkable journey of Joe Yabuki, a troubled young man who discovers his boxing talent and sets out to become a champion.
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Tomorrow’s Joe portrays its characters' hardships, triumphs, and personal growth realistically. This classic has gained popularity once again thanks to all the memes portraying Joe sitting down defeated and exhausted.
2Baki The Grappler
Baki the Grappler is an action-packed anime that takes viewers on a wild ride through the underground world of extreme fighting. It follows the young prodigy Baki Hanma as he seeks to prove his worth by challenging the most skilled and deadly fighters.
Baki has some ofthe strongest anime characters that do not need to rely on superpowers, as their sheer physical strength is enough to destroy their opponents. The series has also become sort of an internet meme thanks to the characters' massive muscles.
1Fighting Spirit/ Hajime No Ippo
If you are a fan of sports anime, then you must have heard of Hajime no Ippo. The anime follows the journey of Ippo Makunouchi, a shy and reserved high school student who discovers his passion for boxing after a chance encounter with a legendary boxer.
As Ippo navigates the grueling world of professional boxing, he faces relentless training, powerful opponents, and personal growth. Thanks to its intense and realistic fight scenes, as well as compelling character development, the show has become a fan favorite.
