Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura - Execution is an OVA of the Hajime no Ippo anime, which is the adaptation of Jōji Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo series.
Details[]
- Characters Introduced: Tatsuya's Father
- Techniques Introduced: Dragonfish Blow
- Locations Introduced: Hara Park
Summary[]
At the Kamogawa gym's office, Kamogawa reveals to Ippo, Takamura, Aoki, and Kimura that in the upcoming Champion Carnival, Kimura will be fighting in his first JBC title match. Ippo realises now that the reason why Kumi told him earlier that she might not be able to see him again was because her brother Mashiba, the JBC junior lightweight champion will be fighting the challenger Kimura. Ippo wishes Kimura good luck, but Kimura tells him that he doesn't have to force himself since he knows he was getting along fine with Kumi, apologising for ruining it. Kimura states that he will defeat Kumi's brother and oust him from his throne.
Kimura waits outside where Miyata usually does his roadwork. Miyata stops when he sees Kimura, who asks for his help, explaining that he has a match scheduled and wants to win no matter what, but he thinks there is nothing he can do. Miyata asks what he wants with him, as he isn't the sort who train others. Miyata adds that he has no weak points, and seems like a high level boxer. When Kimura claims that he doesn't think he can win against the JBC junior lightweight champion Mashiba, Miyata is shocked to hear Mashiba's name, remembering when he fought him before. Kimura notes that the JBC first and second ranked boxers bailed on fighting Mashiba in the Champion Carnival, so the baton was passed on him, the third ranked boxer, and so in his five years of boxing, the chance finally came for a title match. Kimura thinks that if he lets this chance pass, he might never get a chance like this again, so he wants to win. Kimura tells Miyata that his technique and speed are superior to Mashiba's, so if he can spar evenly with him, he will be in perfect form. Miyata doesn't think he will meet Kimura's expectations, and isn't the sort who trains others. Kimura mentions how he has never stuck to any single thing for long, and while he admits his match record isn't impressive, he always put in his best because he loves boxing, which is why he wants to be confident in not losing to anyone in it to prove that he tried his best in what he loves. Miyata assumes that the champion belt is the proof Kimura wants, which he agrees. As Kimura walks away and apologises for wasting Miyata's time, Miyata stops him. Miyata claims that he has an OPBF title match next year, and the champion is an out-boxer with a fighting style similar to his, so if he spars with him, it would be helpful. Miyata tells him to visit his gym tomorrow.
At the Kamogawa gym, Ippo wonders if Miyata accepted Kimura's request. Takamura claims that no matter who trains Kimura, the outcome will be the same. Ippo argues that Kimura is very proficient and they won't know what will happen until he tries, but thinks that him facing Mashiba may be unfortunate. Takamura wonders if the unfortunate one is Kimura, making fun of Ippo that Mashiba and his senpai are fighting, Ippo is in love with Mashiba's sister, so he is torn between two opposing sides, making him the one who is unfortunate. Takamura then mentions how Aoki is more nervous than Ippo, since he joined the Kamogawa gym at the same time as Kimura, making them each others' best rivals, and his rival is facing his first title match. However, Takamura adds that being left behind isn't what is bothering him, but the frustration of his inability to help.
After waking up from a nightmare of Mashiba attacking him, Kimura goes to the Kawahara gym. Upon arrival to the Kawahara gym, Miyata's father warns Kimura to be on his guard when sparring against Miyata. When he enters the ring, and Kimura sees Miyata shadowboxing, he believes every movement of his will help him, and when he can overcome those moves, Mashiba's Flicker Jab will no longer be a threat. As Kimura states his desire to neutralise the Flicker Jab, Miyata demonstrates his Flicker Jab while noting that his is slightly different. Kimura asks for Miyata to use his Flicker Jab so that he can get used to them and come up with a strategy against the technique. Miyata tells Kimura that it is almost impossible to actually stop Mashiba's ability to throw the Flicker Jab, since it is only a jab. He further states that even if he could evade the jabs, he still would not be able to beat him because he has a critical weak point. They begin to spar as Miyata plans to make Kimura aware of his weak point. Kimura and Miyata start by circling around each other at a distance. Kimura throws punches that Miyata swiftly dodges, but Kimura thinks he can predict Miyata's movements since they're both out-boxers. Kimura starts to hit Miyata, making him think he has a chance. However, despite not being an in-fighter, Miyata keeps pressing forward while being hit, until he is within range and starts attacking Kimura. After this, the spar ends with Kimura being knocked out. Miyata's father wonders if Miyata was a little hard on him on his first day. Miyata claims that he wanted Kimura to experience it. Kimura wakes up and complains to Miyata that if goes at him at full force, he can't tell what's going on. Miyata claims that that is the point, explaining that he is so well-rounded that he doesn't see any flaws, but he also doesn't display any strengths either. Miyata adds that he also doesn't have a finishing blow, and without one, his opponent won't hesitate to close in on him since there is nothing to fear. Miyata believes that is what Mashiba thinks of him as well. That night, in his room, Kimura remembers that when Miyata attacked so aggressively, it was too hard and that he knew of his own weakness. Kimura looks at his pet dragonfish Reiko and sees that she doesn't have any worries.
Kimura spars against Miyata again, and it ends after getting downed by Miyata's in-fighting combination. Afterwards, Kimura goes to the Iwata's Chinese Noodles, where Aoki is shocked by how beat up he looks. Kimura notes that he needs to start dieting soon, so he wants to eat a lot for now. Aoki makes Kimura some stamina ramen and gyōza. After eating and as he was leaving, Kimura and Aoki argue about sparring. At the Kamogawa gym, Ippo receives recent videos of Mashiba from Mari. Aoki wishes to deliver the videos to Kimura himself. Takamura notes that he spent the whole night coming up with advice for Kimura: for him to watch out for Mashiba's long reach. Ippo and Aoki ignore Takamura's obvious "advice" as they walk away from him. Aoki meets up with Miyata, who wonders if ambushes are becoming popular. Aoki claims that he is just making a delivery of the recent videos of Mashiba for reference. Aoki then asks if Kimura can win, however, Miyata could not answer. Aoki mentions how Kimura considers this title match as his last chance and he may be thinking of retiring. Aoki adds that Kimura and him are twenty-three years old, boxing for five years with over sixteen matches on their record, and lost many chances for a title. Aoki then does a dogeza, pleading for Miyata to help Kimura have a match he will not regret. Later, at the Kawahara gym, Kimura and Miyata watches the tapes of Mashiba's spars. Miyata notes how Mashiba's basic pattern hasn't changed since his featherweight days, however, his stamina has improved and his weight control isn't as tough after moving up to the junior lightweight class. Miyata believes that if Mashiba uses the Flicker Jab for ten rounds, Kimura won't be able to get close to him. Miyata wonders if he himself can even beat Mashiba with out-boxing. Kimura thinks his chances are even slimmer, as the difference in reach is too great, making his jabs no match for Mashiba's. Kimura then wonders what annoys out-boxers and what is hard to handle for them. Remembering how it was hard for him when Miyata attacked so aggressively during their spars, he realised what he has to do: step in more aggressively.
When Kimura spars with Miyata again at the Kawahara gym, he gets hit while trying to move forward in a Crouching Style. Kimura then trains his head slip by ducking side-to-side under some steel bars in a park. At the Tōhō gym, Mashiba hits the sand bag while recalling how Tanaka and other employees wants tickets for them to cheer for him. Mashiba gets informed by his coach that the world title is within reach as the WBC fifth ranker is wanting to fight him. However, he tells Mashiba that he has to clear his title defence first, and if his victory isn't a decisive one, the offer will be withdrawn. Mashiba laughs, claiming that he won't lose and will make everyone kneel before him. The coach believes that Mashiba's fearlessness is the source of his strength, but he thinks that he will come to a realisation once he keeps on winning and reach the top of the world, what will change won't be the world, but himself. In a spar, Kimura accomplishes his goal by reaching to Miyata's chest with his step-in. However, Kimura comes to a realisation that once he reaches to Mashiba's chest, he won't know what to do. Later, in his room, Kimura ponders on what to once he gets to Mashiba's chest, as going for his jaw would be difficult since he is so tall. He then goes to feed his pet dragonfish Reiko. When the fish jumps to eat a cricket, Kimura becomes amazed at her jumping ability and gets an idea. Kimura starts training at a park by punching a tire that is tied to a steel pole.
After two weeks of not showing up to the Kawahara gym, Kimura shows up wanting to spar against Miyata. Curious as to why Kimura is so confident, Miyata spars with Kimura. When Kimura stepped into Miyata's chest, he throws a body blow that Miyata blocks. Miyata becomes shocked by something, but still manages to hit Kimura, knocking him down. While Kimura is down about taking a counter, Miyata claims he threw a random punch that happened to land, telling Kimura that if his technique was polished to completion, he nor Mashiba would be the one standing. At the Kamogawa gym, Takamura laughs when he sees the match poster for Kimura's title match. Kimura then returns to the Kamogawa gym and is confident about the match despite the poster's imaging and title, stating that he will be the one to execute Mashiba. When Kimura reveals that he has a new technique called the "Dragonfish Blow", he spars with Aoki to show everyone at the gym. At the Mashiba household, Mashiba only eats an apple for dinner due to his weight control. He tells Kumi that she should eat while he leaves for roadwork since she always hesitates to eat whenever he is doing weight control. While Kumi wishes Mashiba good luck, Mashiba comments that he knows that Kimura is one of her friends, but he still won't hold back on him. Leaving the Mashiba house, Mashiba wishes to become a brother she can be proud of, winning and becoming the best brother in the world.
On the day of the match between champion Mashiba and challenger Kimura, before leaving for the Kōrakuen Hall, his parents claim that they will come cheer for him after they close the shop. Kimura confuses them when he claims he needs to remember names of the flowers they sell, otherwise he won't be able to help the business. At the Kōrakuen Hall, Aoki asks Ippo if he ever wondered since Kimura and him normally weigh the same, why they are in different weight classes. Ippo thinks that it is so they avoid fighting each other. Aoki explains that before their pro test, Kimura claimed that he would go after the junior lightweight title, but before his match, his weight control was tough, and a lightweight like himself found it hard as well. However, Aoki adds that Kimura never complained, and each victory came with double the effort. Ippo believes that with his victory should bring twice the joy then. When everyone enters Kimura's waiting room, they see that he looks down. Kimura tells everyone how he was thinking of Mashiba's eyes during their weigh-in, thinking that those eyes don't belong to a human. Kimura claims that in every match he has had, he thought he had trained to his limits, but he was wrong, as he was too easy on himself and was convinced that he put in his all. He adds that he has overcome that limit this time, so whatever the outcome, there'll be no regrets. Kimura reveals that if he loses, he will retire. Ippo tries to say something, but Aoki stops him. Kamogawa, Shinoda, and Yagi gives their thoughts about his retirement statement and encourages him to give it his best in the title match. Aoki tells Kimura that he will be one of his seconds. Kimura mentions to Ippo, who looks down, that he will only retire if he loses. Kimura then leaves for the ring. When Kimura and Mashiba arrives to the ring, they have a glaring face off with their foreheads touching in the centre of the ring. In the audience, Ippo and Takamura watch with Miyata, who believes that the match will be interesting if Kimura draws out his potential.
As the gong sounds to begin the match, Kimura rushes towards Mashiba, then stops as Mashiba enters his Hitman Style. Mashiba throws a Flicker Jab that Kimura thought he dodged at first, however it hits him as the line of the jab changed. Kimura backs away and puts his block up as a barrage of Flicker Jabs hit it. As the Flicker Jabs stop, Kimura thinks that he stands no chance with out-boxing. Takamura mentions that Kimura must have realised the threat of Mashiba's reach. Ippo notes that it was the same for him, as seeing and experiencing the Flicker Jabs are different. With no other option but to keep trying to get in, he goes for his in-fighting, surprising Mashiba as he heard Kimura was an out-boxer. Kimura is unable to get in as the Flicker Jabs pushed him to the ropes. When Kimura escapes the ropes, the audience notices Kimura has whip-like marks all over his body from the Flicker Jabs. Kimura tries pushing forward again, but is unable to as he is pushed back from the Flicker Jabs. Kimura legs start shaking from the damage. Miyata notes that it is Kimura's chance now, as Mashiba hasn't used his right, and is using his left to control the match. Ippo thinks that Mashiba can quickly end the match with his right, so he wonders why he won't use it. Takamura claims that Mashiba has the world stage in his sight and is using Kimura as a test. Miyata mentions that Kimura can use that to his advantage since Mashiba is relying on Flicker Jabs alone, so he only has to get the timing down. Ippo thinks that learning the timing during a match is impossible, but Miyata tells him to look at Kimura's eyes. Kimura realises that Mashiba's Flicker Jabs are as swift and sharp as Miyata's, and the only difference is the angle. Kimura gets hit by another Flicker Jab and almost falls, but he stays standing. The gong sounds to end the first round right after, with a score of ten to nine in Mashiba's favour. Before heading to his corner, Mashiba "congratulated" Kimura for surviving well for three minutes. Kimura calmly replies that three minutes is nothing compared to the five years he has hung on.
In Kimura's corner, Aoki suggests for Kimura to change his plan of using in-fighting. Kimura claims that he never expected to get clone to him in the first round, thinking that it is fine to take it to the full ten rounds. Kimura thinks Mashiba is good, but he's no beyond his expectations. As the second round is about to begin, Mashiba remembers Kimura saying that he has been hanging on for five years, and wonders if Kimura knows why he is known as the "Executioner," a title he earned because six boxer retired after fighting him, planning to have Kimura be the seventh. As the second, third, fourth, fifth rounds pass by, the sixth round continues the same way: Kimura unable to get close to Mashiba as he gets hit by Flicker Jabs. Kimura's face has swollen up from the attacks. Kimura goes down for the first time in the match after getting hit by a Flicker Jab. When Kimura gets up, the sixth round ends. In the Kōrakuen Hall lobby, Yagi approaches Kimura's parents, who left the audience area because they couldn't watch their son get beat up. Yagi informs them that Kimura got up from his down. Kimura's father reveals to Yagi that it was his fault Kimura went astray, He tells Yagi how when Kimura was bullied by an upperclassman in the fifth grade, and they went to the bully's house to complain, Kimura's father in a pathetic way was the one who ended up apologising due to being pressured. Ever since that day, Kimura's impression of his parents changed and he began to rebel, and by the time he entered junior high, violence at home was a daily affair. He notes that Kimura was a menace to society, quit high school with letting his parents know, and was uncontrollable after that. However, one day, Kimura stopped his violence, which relieved his parents, wishing for him to continue like that. Kimura's father is glad that the once uncontrollable boy is now challenging the JBC champion. Kimura's parents decide to go back to the audience area to watch their son fight.
In the seventh round, Kimura gets close to Mashiba for the first time and lands body blows until Mashiba backs away and throws more Flicker Jabs. Kimura dodges the Flicker Jabs and closes in again, hitting Mashiba with more body blows. Ippo wonders why Kimura is able to evade them now. Miyata claims that it is because of Kimura's footwork, explaining that with Kimura's left foot, his right body moves in, and where he just stepped in to stop the Flicker Jabs is the best place for a left body blow. Kamogawa explains to Aoki that because of his rushes, Mashiba's speed is slowing. Aoki realises that while he was getting beat on like a sand bag, he was waiting. As Kimura continues chasing Mashiba and hitting him with body blows, Aoki thinks of how they both were always at the edge of the cliff as boxers, and while everyone rose, they were always stuck at the bottom. Mashiba lands a left hook on Kimura's face, wanting him to back off. Kimura thinks of how he will never back off, since over the five years in the boxing world, he never had confidence or pride, but there's one thing close to him and Aoki: no matter what fight laid ahead, a man who always stepped forward until he became champion, so with his own courage, he refuses to lose. Kimura continues to stay close to Mashiba, dodging his punches at close range while attacking. The audience begins to cheer for Kimura until the seventh round ends. While walking to his corner, Mashiba thinks that Kimura's body blows won't work on him. At Kimura's corner, knowing that Mashiba's attention should be drawn to his lower body, the stage is finally set, so all he needs now is one shot.
As the eighth round begins, Mashiba thinks that he has underestimated Kimura, who has a certain kind of eyes that will make him have to use his best punches to defeat him. Mashiba decides to attack first with Flicker Jabs that have more power behind it than usual, but he does so without changing his style, which allows Kimura to step in an throw a body blow that Mashiba anticipates, blocks and successfully counters with a left uppercut. After shaking Kimura off, Mashiba lands several hits, but a Flicker Jab gives Kimura the chance to once again get close to Mashiba and attempt another body blow that is blocked as well. However, this time Kimura attempts to fully go through with his Dragonfish Blow, landing it cleanly on the unsuspecting Mashiba, sending him down. Mashiba wonders why he went down, not know what he got hit by. Mashiba gets up, and the match continues with one minute remaining in the eighth round. Kimura goes towards Mashiba, planning to hit him some more. Not knowing how, but aware of the fact that he was hit with a high punch, Mashiba decides to guard above, but it gives Kimura the opportunity to strike low. Mashiba backs away and throws Flicker Jabs. Kimura's right eye is swollen shut, making it hard to see Mashiba's lefts. Kimura is still able to close in on Mashiba and hits him with liver blows many times at the ropes to get him to stop guarding high. With Kimura putting all his strength in each attack, Mashiba has no option but to guard low, giving Kimura the opportunity to go for his Dragonfish Blow again. As Mashiba sees the overhand of the Dragonfish Blow coming towards him, he is afraid that if it lands, everything will end. Mashiba remembers when he was at his parents' grave with Kumi as he gets hit by the second Dragonfish Blow. Mashiba almost falls, but when he hears Kumi yell out his name, he hangs on by clinching Kimura until the referee separates them. At Kimura's corner, Kimura expresses how incredible the champion is, sensing great determination in him. At Mashiba's corner, Mashiba's coach notices how badly hurt he is and warns him to watch out for Kimura's high-low combination, but realises that Mashiba isn't listening. As Kimura heads out for the ninth round, he tells Aoki that he could see the belt.
When the ninth round begins, Kimura believes one more Dragonfish Blow should knock Mashiba down. Mashiba doesn't want it to continue like this, as the world stage will be out of the question if he doesn't survive this match. Mashiba goes towards Kimura and throws a right straight that hits his guard while admitting that Kimura is the greatest challenger. Mashiba unleashes a barrage of Flicker Jabs and then a Chopping Right on Kimura's guard. Takamura notes that Mashiba is trying to regain control of the match. Since Mashiba was the one who got close to Kimura, the latter uses the opportunity to get in a close-range exchange with him. During the exchange, Mashiba lands a clean right that makes Kimura stagger, letting Mashiba land a right short uppercut that sends Kimura to the ropes, where he initiates his knockout pattern. While receiving the attacks, Kimura lands a right and starts to go on the offensive. At the sight of her brother cowering away for the first time in his life, Kumi is in shock. Mashiba tries to clinch, but foreseeing this, Kimura throws a series of liver blows that leave Mashiba's jaw open. As Kimura launches the right overhand to complete the third Dragonfish Blow while seeing the champion belt in his mind, Mashiba throws a desperate counter. Both boxers land their hit in a dual exchange, and Kimura goes down.
Takamura notes that the reason Mashiba won the dual exchange was because Mashiba landed first due to Kimura having an arching punch and Mashiba having a straight punch. Shinoda is about to throw the towel, but is stopped by Aoki, who begs him to let Kimura end it on his own so he has no regrets. Shinoda understands the feelings but decides to throw it in nevertheless, as he feels his boxer might be in danger. Shinoda is stopped once again, but this time it is by Kimura himself, who despite everyone predicting the opposite, is able to stand up again. The venue is in complete shock at the sight of Kimura getting back up, with Mashiba particularly disturbed. As the referee dwells on whether to stop the fight or not, the people begin yelling to let it continue. He gives the signal to resume, and Mashiba charges in, this time with killing intent. As Mashiba gets closer preparing to launch a right, Kimura raises his fist towards him. As Mashiba is about to land the final blow, the referee gets in the way and stops him. The referee takes a look at Kimura and realise that even though he is still standing, he is no longer conscious. The referee waves his hands, signalling an end to the match, where Mashiba emerges victorious, and Kimura still has his right stretched out.
As the seconds of both boxers get in the ring, Mashiba's coach is shocked by how cold Mashiba's sweat is. Mashiba wonders what would happen if Kimura's punch actually followed through before the referee stopped the match. As Shinoda tries to check on Kimura, Aoki stops him, as Kimura is still fighting in his mind, not knowing that the match is over, so he can't withdraw his fist. Kimura finally follows through with his right, which Aoki catches with his hands. As Kimura regains consciousness, Shinoda hugs him, letting him know the match is over. Kimura begins to cry as he realises the match is over. The audience cheers for Kimura as his parents feel proud of their son. After Mashiba left the ring and began leaving the venue on his own, his coach stops him as there is still the winner's interview. Mashiba claims that if he stayed in that ring as the winner, he would only be humiliated. In Kimura's waiting room, Kimura informs everyone that he will be retiring, thanking everyone for everything during his time at the Kamogawa gym. Before leaving Kimura bids the Kōrakuen Hall farewell.
Later, Kimura leaves the Kimura Florist, telling his parents that he is going to visit the Kamogawa gym. At the Kamogawa gym, Ippo mentions how it feels lonely, but Takamura tells him there is no time to sulk since he has many others retire before. Kamogawa tells them that Kimura fought well, and now he is at his new starting line, so they should send him off with a smile. Takamura gets Ippo and Aoki to show some guts by yelling. Outside the Kamogawa gym, Kimura heard everything inside and thinks that it makes his retirement feel real. Ippo's dog tugs at Kimura's pants leg, and Kimura notices that the name on the collar reads "Wanpo" in katakana. Kimura walks away and lays down at a hillside, wondering what he should do since he has been boxing for five years. He then begins thinking of what would have happened if he had reached three more centimetres. After having second thoughts about retiring, he returned to the gym. When Kimura enters the gym, he reveals to everyone that the boxer called Tatsuya Kimura (木村達也) retired. However, he would be changing his name to katakana and re-debut as Tatsuya Kimura (木村タツヤ). Ippo and Aoki are excited, but Takamura is angry. As Takamura and Aoki wrestle with Kimura, Ippo goes to the door as Kumi is visiting. Ippo nervously congratulates her on her brother's victory. Kumi asks about Kimura, which Ippo claims that he decided to retire, however, he couldn't quit boxing and came back.
Trivia[]
- While Takamura explained to Ippo how Aoki and Kimura joined the Kamogawa gym at the same time, a view of some name plates hanging on the wall were shown of boxers in the gym:
- Keiichi Tanaka (田中 圭一, Tanaka Keiichi) - A possible reference to the mangaka of the same name.
- Mikio Takagi (高木 幹夫, Takagi Mikio)
- Norihiko Kawada (河田 則彦, Kawada Norihiko)
- Hidenori Nishio (西尾 秀規, Nishio Hidenori)
Anime-Manga Differences[]
See also: Anime-Manga Differences
- Due to the TV special being released before the OVA, the events in the First Step Arc and Execution Arc are switched in the anime.
- The anime changes the following:
- In the manga, when Kamogawa announced Kimura's title match against Mashiba, Ippo was wearing an open coat with "KAMOGAWA BOXING GYM" on the back of it. In the anime, he was wearing his roadwork jacket.
- In the manga, when Kamogawa announced Kimura's title match against Mashiba, Kamogawa was wearing a dress shirt and tie. In the anime, he was wearing a plain white long-sleeved shirt.
- In the manga, when Kamogawa announced Kimura's title match against Mashiba, Aoki was wearing a tank top over a shirt. In the anime, he was wearing a plain orange long-sleeved shirt.
- In the manga, Ippo and Takamura talked about Miyata accepting Kimura's request and Takamura made fun of him for being in an unfortunate situation, they were at Takamura's house. In the anime, they were inside the Kamogawa gym.
- In the manga, on the first day of Kimura and Miyata sparring, Miyata's father wore a sweater over a shirt. In the anime, he wears a purple long-sleeved shirt with "KBG" on the front upper-left of it.
- In the manga, after the first day of sparring against Miyata, Kimura thought about the spar while driving home. In the anime, he thought of it while in his room.
- In the manga, during the second spar shown between Kimura and Miyata, Kimura wore a tank top over a shirt. In the anime, he wears the same shirt with a giant "K" on the front as he did during the first spar.
- In the manga, when Ippo received recent videos of Mashiba from Mari, he was wearing a sweater. In the anime, he wears short-sleeved shirt that has "K.B.G." on the back and in the front upper-left.
- In the manga, Mari stayed at the Kamogawa gym for a short while after giving Ippo the videos. In the anime, she left immediately.
- In the manga, when the Tōhō coach told Mashiba about the WBC fifth ranked boxer wanting to fight him, Mashiba wore a long-sleeved shirt. In the anime, he wears a short-sleeved shirt.
- In the manga, when the Tōhō coach told Mashiba about the WBC fifth ranked boxer wanting to fight him, the coach wore a long-sleeved polo shirt. In the anime, he wears a short-sleeved shirt with "東邦" (Tōhō) on the front upper-left of it.
- In the manga, when Miyata and Kimura sparred again after not sparring for two weeks, Kimura wore a plain light coloured shirt. In the anime, he wears a black shirt with a giant "K" on the front of it.
- In the manga, when Miyata and Kimura sparred again after not sparring for two weeks, Miyata's father wore a polo shirt. In the anime, he wears a purple long-sleeved shirt with "KBG" on the front upper-left of it.
- In the manga, Aoki explained why he and Kimura are not in the same weight class while Kimura was creating the Dragonfish Blow at the park. In the anime, Aoki explains why right before Kimura's match.
- In the manga, when Kimura returned to the Kamogawa gym, he was sitting on the fence outside. In the anime, he was walking towards the gym.
- In the manga, during Kimura vs. Mashiba, the name on Kimura's trunks was "KIMURA". In the anime, is is "TATUYA".
- In the manga, during Kimura vs. Mashiba, the seconds on both sides have "DYNAMITE GLOVE" on the front and back of their shirts. In the anime, Kimura's seconds wear a long-sleeve shirt with "KBG" on the front upper-left of it.
- In the manga, during Kimura vs. Mashiba, the seconds on both sides have "DYNAMITE GLOVE" on the front and back of their shirts. In the anime, Mashiba's seconds wear a short-sleeved shirt with "東邦" (Tōhō) on the front upper-left of it.
- In the manga, after the first round of Kimura vs. Mashiba, Mashiba notes that he is called the "Grim Reaper". In the anime, it is changed to "Executioner".
- In the manga, Kimura's parents talked with Fujii about Kimura's past. In the anime, it is changed to them talking to Yagi instead.
- In the manga, during the eighth round, Kimura landed three Dragonfish Blows, and Mashiba clinched twice. In the anime, Kimura lands two Dragonfish Blows and Mashiba clinched once.
- In the manga, after the Kimura vs. Mashiba match, Kimura had a group of reporters that wanted to interview him. Kimura announces to the reporters and the Kamogawa gym members in the room that he would be retiring. In the anime, the Kamogawa gym members were the only ones in the room.
- In the manga, Ippo reveals Wanpo's name to Takamura and Aoki inside the gym, and Kimura hears it from outside. In the anime, Wanpo was outside and Kimura looked at the dog collar to find out his name.
- In the manga, when Kimura changed his signature from kanji to katakana, it happened outside the Kamogawa gym. In the anime, it happens inside the Kamogawa gym.
- The anime removes the following:
- In the manga, after Kamogawa announced Kimura would be fighting Mashiba, Aoki prepared to spar with Kimura, but Kimura told him that he can't be the one sparring him before leaving the gym to ask Miyata. In the anime, this scene is removed.
- In the manga, when Kimura asked for Miyata to help him face Mashiba, at first Miyata declined and ran away and Kimura followed him until they stop and noticed delinquents. In the anime, this is removed and Miyata doesn't run away from Kimura.
- In the manga, Kimura explained to Miyata that seeing Ippo so happy to wear the champion belt for the first time made him feel empty inside. In the anime, this is removed.
- In the manga, Takamura had Ippo call the Mashiba household to talk to Kumi, but it turned out to be Mashiba on the phone who left an intimidating message for Kimura. Takamura then told Aoki and Kimura at the gym, making Ippo mad. In the anime, this is removed.
- In the manga, when Kimura left the gym to spar against Miyata, Aoki gave Kimura the middle finger. In the anime, this is removed.
- In the manga, Kida watched Miyata and Kimura spar on their first day. In the anime, he is absent.
- In the manga, Ippo and Kumi met up again at a restaurant, where Kumi apologised for what she said to Ippo, as boxing is just a sport and did not want to end their relationship over it. After Kimura and then Mashiba spot Ippo and Kumi together and made a scene, Kumi ran away again and told Ippo they should not see each other for a while. In the anime, this scene was removed.
- In the manga, when Mari arrived to give recent videos of Mashiba to Ippo, Takamura tried to attack Ippo for having his sights on her since he couldn't make up with Kumi. In the anime, this is removed.
- In the manga, during the third spar shown between Kimura and Miyata, Ippo, Takamura, and Aoki watch from outside. Afterwards Ippo, Takamura, and Aoki talk at a restaurant. In the anime, this is removed.
- In the manga, Ippo and Aoki watched Kimura train at a park by punching a tire tied to a steel pole and stopped delinquents that messed with it after Kimura left. In the anime, this is removed.
- In the manga, Kimura spars with Aoki to show everyone his new Dragonfish Blow. In the anime, the spar was removed.
- In the manga, before Kimura and Mashiba's match began, Fujii and Mari talked about how large the audience number was. In the anime, this is removed.
- In the manga, Takamura encouraged Kimura before he left to fight Mashiba. In the anime this is removed.
- In the manga, Kimura and Mashiba's ring entrances are shown. In the anime, they are removed.
- In the manga, Mari informed Kimura's parents and Fujii that something happened to Kimura. In the anime, since Yagi was the one who talked to Kimura's parents instead of Fujii, this was removed.
- In the manga, two days after the match, Kimura tried to sleep but couldn't since every time he closes his eyes, he sees himself trying to reach for the champion belt. In the anime, this scene is removed.
- In the manga, Yagi mentions to Ippo, Takamura, and Aoki that Kimura may come by the gym to see them to say goodbye. In the anime, this is removed.
- In the manga, since Kimura decided to retire, he tries to smoke a cigarette, but his body couldn't handle it. In the anime, this is removed.
- In the manga, Takamura had a plan of making a farewell party for Kimura. In the anime, this scene was removed.
- The anime adds the following:
- The anime adds flashbacks of when Miyata and Mashiba fought when Kimura first says Mashiba's name to Miyata.
- The anime adds a scene of Kimura having a nightmare about Mashiba before waking up.
- The anime shows how Kimura went down in the second spar shown unlike the manga.
Credits[]
Characters are named as they appear in the credits.
| Role | English Name | Japanese | Rōmaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tatsuya Kimura | Keiji Fujiwara | 藤原 啓治 | Fujiwara Keiji |
| Ryō Mashiba | Masahiko Tanaka | 田中 正彦 | Tanaka Masahiko |
| Ippo Makunouchi | Kōhei Kiyasu | 喜安 浩平 | Kiyasu Kōhei |
| Mamoru Takamura | Rikiya Koyama | 小山 力也 | Koyama Rikiya |
| Masaru Aoki | Wataru Takagi | 高木 渉 | Takagi Wataru |
| Ichirō Miyata | Tomokazu Seki | 関 智一 | Seki Tomokazu |
| Miyata's Father | Unshō Ishizuka | 石塚 運昇 | Ishizuka Unshō |
| Manager Yagi | Toshihiko Nakajima | 中嶋 聡彦 | Nakajima Toshihiko |
| Trainer Shinoda | Seiji Sasaki | 佐々木 誠二 | Sasaki Seiji |
| Kumi Mashiba | Sanae Kobayashi | 小林 沙苗 | Kobayashi Sanae |
| Tōhō Gym Coach | Yukitoshi Hori | 堀 之紀 | Hori Yukitoshi |
| Tanaka Transportation President | Yōsuke Akimoto | 秋元 羊介 | Akimoto Yōsuke |
| Kimura's Father | Takaya Hashi | 土師 孝也 | Hashi Takaya |
| Kimura's Mother | Yoshino Ōtori | 鳳 芳野 | Ōtori Yoshino |
| Referee | Shōji Izumi | 泉 尚摯 | Izumi Shōji |
| Ring Announcer | Katsuyuki Konishi | 小西 克幸 | Konishi Katsuyuki |
| Live Announcer | Jin Horikawa | 堀川 仁 | Horikawa Jin |
| Coach Kamogawa | Kenji Utsumi | 内海 賢二 | Utsumi Kenji |
Episode Credits[]
| Role | English Name | Japanese | Rōmaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screenplay | Kazuyuki Fudeyasu | 筆安 一幸 | Fudeyasu Kazuyuki |
| Storyboard | Hitoshi Nanba Yukina Hiiro |
難波 日登志 ひいろ ゆきな |
Nanba Hitoshi Hiiro Yukina |
| Director | Yukina Hiiro | ひいろ ゆきな | Hiiro Yukina |
| Animation Director | Jun'ichi Takaoka Yoshitaka Yasuda Takafumi Hori Tomoaki Kado Yūko Yazaki Ichirō Uno Noriyuki Fukuda |
高岡 淳一 安田 好孝 堀 剛史 かど ともあき 矢崎 優子 夘野 一郎 ふくだ のりゆき |
Takaoka Jun'ichi Yasuda Yoshitaka Hori Takafumi Kado Tomoaki Yazaki Yūko Uno Ichirō Fukuda Noriyuki |
[]
| Execution Arc | |||||||||||||||||||
| Manga Volumes | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 32 | 33 | |||||||||||||||||
| Manga Rounds | |||||||||||||||||||
| 270 | 271 | 272 | 273 | 274 | 275 | 276 | 277 | 278 | 279 | ||||||||||
| 280 | 281 | 282 | 283 | 284 | 285 | 286 | 287 | 288 | 289 | ||||||||||
| Anime Rounds | |||||||||||||||||||
| OVA 1 | |||||||||||||||||||