In Episode 12 of Manga With Josh, I step into the ring with one of the longest-running and most respected sports manga of all time: Hajime no Ippo. Serialized just months before I was born, this boxing classic by George Morikawa has grown into a cultural heavyweight, with over 1,500 chapters, 145 volumes, and more than 100 million copies sold worldwide. I break down what the series is about, why Makunouchi Ippo’s journey from bullied high schooler to professional boxer still hits so hard decades later, and how its grounded, realistic approach to boxing sets it apart from other sports manga.

We dig into the anime adaptations across three distinct eras, the awards and legacy that cement Hajime no Ippo as a genre-defining work, and why its slow, methodical pacing actually strengthens the story rather than holding it back. From unforgettable rivals and character growth to training arcs, recovery time, and the emotional weight of each fight, this episode is a love letter to a series that respects both the sport and its characters. If you like boxing, character-driven storytelling, or manga that earns every punch, this is one you can’t skip.

As always, this is Manga With Josh — where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.