Whether you’re a fan of classic tales of underdog heroes or futuristic boxing adventures, these anime have something for every boxing enthusiast. In this article, we’ll step into the ring and explore the best boxing anime out there. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. One-pound Gospel

From one of the preeminent manga writers Rumiko Takahashi, One-pound Gospel is a refreshing late-80s boxing anime that is praised for its situational comedy and realistic approach to the sport. The anime spans a single 50-minute episode that adapts only a portion of the original story.

The story follows Kosaku Hatanaka, who tries to control his greedy impulses in order to rise to the top of the boxing world. While trying to deal with his weak will, Kosaku meets Sister Angela, a devout nun who helps him get back on track.

9. Ring and Kakero

Better known by its English title “Put It All in the Ring,” Ring ni Kakero was ahead of its time when it first released in 2004. The 36-episode anime from Toei Animation features a modern animation style and follows the life of young boxer Ryuji Takane as he sets out to become the world champion in honor of his late father.

Under his sister Kiku, Ryuji trains tirelessly to master the formidable Boomerang boxing move as the brotherly duo puts everything on the line. Together, they overcome many challenges and face many powerful rivals as Ryuji rises through the ranks of the boxing world.

8. Slow Step

Slow Step is a sports romantic comedy anime that features a combination of boxing and softball. Featuring the generic trope of a love triangle, the story revolves around Minatsu Nakazato, a popular high school student and softball player who is forced to disguise herself as a boy.

She assumes the identity of “Maria” and enrolls in a new school, where she encounters Shu Akiba, a fellow student; and Naoto Kadomatsu, a promising boxer, resulting in a three-way relationship that grows more complicated as time goes on.

7. Levius

Unlike other boxing anime genres, Levius goes beyond the stereotypical theme by introducing cybernetically augmented arena fighters into ancient combat sports. The story is set in an alternate cyberpunk 19th century where “Metalboxing” has become the major form of entertainment in the Imperial City.

Levius Cromwell, an orphan with bold dreams for his future, begins to emerge as a young fighter as he trains with his uncle to become the Imperial City's Metalboxing Champion. The anime's heavy use of CGI may not appeal to viewers, but the quirky concept makes Levius worth a try.

6. Nozomi Witches

“Love drags you to places you never wanted to be” – the central theme of Nozomi Witches can be understood in a similar context, where the main character Ryoutaro Shiba is coerced into joining his school’s boxing club after meeting the charming Nozomi Egawa.

Without any great ambitions or a solid source of inspiration, Ryoutaro soon discovers that he may have a talent for boxing that he never knew existed before. Nozomi Witches offers excellent character development with its engaging romantic plot and sudden plot twists.

5. Rainbow

Rainbow is an underrated delinquent anime that shows the honest side of ruffians through the medium of boxing. Produced by renowned Studio Madhouse, the series is set in 1950s Japan and tells the story of six junior delinquents who are captured for committing petty crimes.

They are then sent to a disciplinary school where they meet their mentor, a former boxer, and are locked in the same cell with them. In the cruel facility, the group must learn to work together if they are to survive in the hostile and unforgiving environment.

4. Ashita no Joe

Ashita no Joe, also known as “Tomorrow's Joe,” is a groundbreaking boxing anime that began airing in the 1960s and influenced many series that followed. The anime follows Joe Yabuki, a troubled young man who has a talent for boxing but lacks discipline.

He is discovered by Danpei Tange, a failed boxing coach who takes Joe under his wing and trains him to channel his raw emotions into learning the art of boxing. Often clinging to his old habits, Joe must face pitfalls that will test his mettle in order to become a professional boxer.

3. Baki

Netflix's original martial arts anime Baki is based on the manga by Keisuke Itagaki and has spawned several sequels over the years. Praised for its raw and brutal approach to combat, the original story follows Baki Hanma as he sets out to defeat his father, Yuujirou, the strongest man in the world.

To surpass his father, Baki enters a fighting tournament where renowned martial artists from around the world face off in a deadly showdown. The introduction of a wide variety of martial arts techniques, such as karate, boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, adds variety to Baki's violent and over-the-top world.

2. Hajime no Ippo

Hajime no Ippo is a critically acclaimed boxing-themed sports anime from Madhouse. The series follows high school student Ippo Makunoichi's journey from being a victim of bullying to becoming a professional boxing champion. Along the way, he faces a variety of challenges, both inside and outside the ring.

After a brief training with an up-and-coming boxer, Ippo takes his first steps into the boxing ring facing a series of challenging opponents, each more powerful than the last. With his resilient body and fierce fighting spirit, the gentle young man seeks to conquer the world to become the greatest of all time.

1. Megalo Box

Megalo Box is a Netflix original boxing anime that pays homage to the Ashita no Joe franchise, as it was released in celebration of the series' 50th anniversary. Set in a futuristic setting, Megalo Box makes use of steampunk elements and a retro art style as a way of paying homage to its classic predecessor.

Set in the late 21st century, where boxers use exoskeletons to fight, the story centers on a promising underground fighter, Junk Dog, who was used to playing matches for money. However, after being effortlessly defeated by the Megalo Box champion, Junk Dog decides to seriously climb the boxing ranks.

Which of the following boxing anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment your opinion and recommend any other anime like the ones listed above. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your otaku friends.