Today we talk about a long running manga series and it’s most recent story saga. Hajime no Ippo, the de facto boxing manga series is our deep dive. Major spoilers for Hajime no Ippo ahead. Of course there’s already a major spoiler in the title of the article itself. But I think I can get a pass for a 4 year long plot development. The development is of course Ippo’s retirement from professional boxing.
Started in 1989 by author George Morikawa, an avid boxing fan himself. The series has been going on in Weekly Shōnen Magazine for over 30 years now. A classic shōnen sports story it follows Ippo Makunouchi a shy bullied student who becomes a boxer. Throughout its 3 decade lifespan we’ve seen Ippo start from the bottom to the top. From nobody to rookie boxer to champ. A classic and well worn plot in most shōnen sports stories. However all of there is upturned with Ippo’s retirement.
The Lead Up
Some background before his retirement. Boxers getting hurt especially through brain damage also known as punch drunk, pugilistic dementia, or CTE as has been an undercurrent storyline in Hajime no Ippo. A necessary and expected subject…
