Knockout Selection: Unveiling the Ultimate List of Top Boxing Anime

Boxing anime is undeniably one of the most thrilling sports genres, delivering top-notch action. Introduced to Japan by American sailors in the nineteenth century, boxing swiftly gained popularity and has remained a prominent combat sport in the country, alongside wrestling and other martial arts.

What sets boxing anime apart is its fusion of the inspiring essence found in most sports media and the exhilarating combat sequences characteristic of action anime. Protagonists emerge as underdog heroes, rising from obscurity to challenge reigning champions and etch their names in history. Although a perilous endeavor that demands their utmost dedication, their time spent within the ring is deemed invaluable.

10 Megalobox

The 2018 iteration of the 1980 classic Ashita no Joe has proven to be just as captivating as its predecessor. In this version, the future of boxing lies in Gear, which are mechanisms worn by boxers to enhance their power. Junk Dog, weary of throwing fights for money, seizes the opportunity to make it big and transforms from an unknown fighter to the renowned Gearless Joe, making this anime a true depiction of boxing.

Unlike Joe, other boxers, like the champion Yuri who represents a Gear company, use matches primarily to showcase their machine's capabilities. In this era, Joe's traditional style and reliance on his own strength and talent are so uncommon that the audiences are amazed by his audacious approach. As the center of attention, Joe must come to a decision about what boxing signifies to him and what he genuinely desires in life.

9 Baki The Grappler

In many sports anime, the main character often looks up to and idolizes an older and more experienced athlete in their chosen sport. This mentor figure serves as a source of inspiration and represents the heights that the protagonist dreams of achieving. In Baki Hanma's case, he follows this tradition in a rather unique way: he is determined to surpass his famous father, Yujiro, who has made his life a living nightmare in order to toughen him up. Baki goes through intense battles with the world's strongest boxers, all with the goal of defeating his father and proving his strength.

Similar to how Kuroko's Basketball takes basketball anime to new levels compared to Slam Dunk, Baki's matches take the genre of boxing anime and turn up the intensity to outrageous levels. While Baki himself is already a formidable opponent, the boxers he faces possess superhuman powers and physical enhancements. His victories are not solely based on sheer strength, but also on his unwavering belief in his own fighting philosophy.

8 Levius

Levius takes a different approach to the evolution of boxing in the science fiction genre compared to Megalobox. Set in a society where magic-enhanced engineering is prevalent, a new sport called MMA (Mechanical Martial Arts) is introduced. Boxers with cybernetic enhancements can gain fame and glory by mastering new techniques, but the stakes are high as defeat can be fatal.

Levius skillfully combines elements of sports and steampunk genres, making it one of the best anime available for streaming on Netflix. The story is set in a world devastated by a brutal war, where survivors find solace in a popular blood sport. Despite having an advantage due to his innate control over Agartha Water, Levius chooses to retain his remaining flesh limbs as a constant reminder of the resilience of his body.

7 Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin

Six adolescents are placed in a juvenile detention facility for committing various offenses. In the aftermath of World War II, these troubled individuals feel that life has no purpose. However, their perspective changes when they encounter Rokurota Sakuragi, a former professional boxer. Sakuragi becomes their mentor and assists them in navigating the harsh treatment within the center.

Participating in sports often instills self-control, moral values, and provides a means to release pent-up frustration and tension. Although not all of the boys were incarcerated for violent crimes, Sakuragi's guidance enables all of them to cultivate not only physical strength but also emotional stability and guidance in order to build fulfilling lives beyond the confines of the detention center. Boxing may not lead to fame in this context, but it does pave the way towards happiness.

6 Slow Step

5 Rokudenashi Blues

Not all boxing anime solely revolve around the sport itself. Slow Step takes a different approach by centering its focus on the complex relationships between a talented softball player and two competing boxers who vie for her affections. While Minatsu Nakazato, the softball player, would prefer to concentrate solely on perfecting her game-winning pitch, she is constantly bombarded by unwanted advances from several suitors. Slow Step caters to fans who have an appreciation for both sports and captivating shoujo anime. Despite some shallow characterizations, the series maintains a delightful romantic comedy tone throughout. With a mixture of mistaken identities and clever evasion tactics, Slow Step consistently delivers lighthearted comedic moments that resonate with viewers, spanning across all five episodes.

As the title implies, the Rokudenashi Blues anime depicts the journeys of three seemingly underestimated students. Maeda Taison, a rebellious street fighter, harbors a dream of becoming a renowned professional boxer. Together with his friends, they strive to utilize their formidable fists for the greater good. Despite not competing in the major leagues like other protagonists in sports anime, Maeda, Katsuji, and Yoneji face numerous challenges within their school. They must not only confront rivals in their own territory, but also navigate through gang conflicts involving the most formidable delinquents from other schools. The original manga not only inspired two anime films, but also spawned two live-action adaptations and a television drama.

4 Ayane’s High Kick

3 Kengan Ashura

Female protagonists in boxing anime are extremely uncommon. However, in this captivating two-episode OVA, Ayane Mitsui decides to abandon her aspirations of becoming a professional wrestler and instead focuses her talents on kickboxing. As she dedicates herself to rigorous training, it becomes evident that kickboxing is the sport where Ayane possesses exceptional potential to become a renowned star. Despite occasionally losing her way, Ayane fervently pursues her dream of becoming a champion. She overcomes the intricate training montages devised by her coach Kunimitsu and faces formidable opponents in her initial kickboxing matches. This world she immerses herself in also provides a fascinating insight into the landscape of Japanese pro wrestling and mixed martial arts during the nineties.

A boxer's career isn't the only thing on the line in this captivating survival game anime. In this unique world, the outcome of corporate deals is determined through public fights, where each CEO chooses a fighter to represent them in the ring. Tokita Ohma, a former street fighter known as Ashura, is handpicked as one of these modern-day gladiators. His mission: to emerge victorious in the Kengan Annihilation Tournament and secure victory for his handler.

2 Ashita No Joe

Kengan Ashura delves into the intricate dynamics behind the fight, both within and outside the arena. The tournament's outcomes hold immense importance for every corporation and fighter involved, with Ohma relentlessly pursuing the opportunity to distance himself from his troubled past. The series spares no detail in showcasing the savagery and gore that accompanies a series of unbridled, bare-knuckle boxing matches.

Considered a pioneer in the genre, Ashita no Joe stands as the quintessential boxing anime. Joe Yabuki's determination transcends his troubled past, as he ascends from prison brawls to championship bouts. In his relentless pursuit of victory in the prestigious All-Japan Rookie King Tournament (a coveted achievement among real-life Japanese boxers), Joe grapples with shaping his own destiny and envisioning a fulfilling future.

1 Hajime No Ippo

The show's much-parodied final shot of Joe may be the aspect that most non-fans are familiar with, but it is the exhilarating fight sequences that should not be overlooked. At the core of sports anime lies the passion for the game being played, and despite his rough edges, Joe has an unwavering love for boxing. Every choice he makes is centered around his determination to remain in the boxing ring, one cross-counter at a time.

Despite not fitting the image of a towering champion, Ippo Makunouchi proves his mettle through years of labor on the docks, which toughens his muscles and fortifies his resolve to fight. Under the guidance of a retired professional boxer, he discovers that his strength and determination position him as a genuine contender for greatness. Serving as the source of inspiration for the acclaimed film Creed, this anime series is an adaptation of the enduring manga, heavily influenced by its predecessor Ashita no Joe. Ippo garners immense support as he transitions into a professional boxer from his initial timid and self-doubting demeanor, steadily gaining confidence and finding his "rebirth" as a stronger individual.

Boxing anime are among the most adored anime worldwide. They effectively portray the essence and excitement of the sport, without ignoring the hardships endured by athletes. Regardless of whether the story concludes with triumph or tragedy, every resolute protagonist believes that the sacrifices made during training and in the ring are justified by the fight itself. Offering thrilling and enjoyable experiences, the top boxing anime are highly recommended for both sports anime enthusiasts and beyond.