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Hajime no Ippo Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch Hajime no Ippo anime in order

Last updated: November 10 2026

Written by: ChronoAlice

Hajime no Ippo is often called the greatest sports anime ever made, and its seasons, special and OVA are easy to mix up. Here is the right order.

Bullied high schooler Ippo Makunouchi is rescued by boxer Mamoru Takamura and discovers a hidden talent for the sport. Joining the Kamogawa Gym, he trains relentlessly and climbs the ranks with his devastating Dempsey Roll. Hajime no Ippo blends intense, realistic boxing with great comedy and unforgettable rivals like Miyata, Sendo and Mashiba.

๐Ÿ• Release Order

Release order covers three TV seasons, a TV special and an OVA.

  1. Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! (2000)
  2. Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road (2003)
  3. Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura (2003)
  4. Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (2009)
  5. Hajime no Ippo: Rising (2013)

The two 2003 specials fill in gaps around the first season, which means the timeline is slightly different from the release schedule.

๐Ÿ“– Story Chronology

Champion Road covers Ippo's first title defense, which happens after the events of The Fighting!, and Mashiba vs. Kimura follows Kimura's title shot, both leading into New Challenger.

  1. Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! (2000)
  2. Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road (2003)
  3. Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura (2003)
  4. Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (2009)
  5. Hajime no Ippo: Rising (2013)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Thankfully, release order and story order match. Start with The Fighting!, which covers 75 episodes, then watch both 2003 specials before New Challenger. Do not skip Mashiba vs. Kimura, as it is one of the best fights in the series and sets up rivalries that come back later. Rising ends mid-story, so manga readers can continue from there.

๐Ÿ”— Related Guides

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