Ippo-Pa-Looza 2: The Greatest Fight in Anime History? (”Mashiba vs. Kimura” 2003 OVA)

Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs Kimura (2003) is an OVA that takes place after the main series 'The Fighting' and it's my current favorite anime fight. It's a story about an underdog locking in and putting everything he can into one final clash before retirement. This story is an inspiration and a reminder that there are no losers when you try your absolute best to go to your limits and beyond.

 

00:00 Mashiba vs. Kimura

04:33 - The Risks of making Kimura a Protagonist

04:56 - Commentary by the Side-Characters

05:53 - Ippo & His New Jacket!

08:15 - Miyata Fights are Sidequests Now… + Mashiba’s Tactics

11:34 - The Trainers on Ippo

12:34 - Bap Beep Beep

13:44 - Hajime No Kimura: No Weak Points!

14:58 - Hajime No Biden: Corn-Pop’s Counterattack

16:03 - Kimura’s Challenge & Triumph

18:06 - A Lack of Belief From Friends…

20:35 - Hajime No Streamer: Support Smash!

25:40 - Mashiba vs. Kimura: The Fighter’s Backgrounds

29:25 - A Wavering Confidence

30:22 - Kimura: I’m Going to Retire

31:15 - The Greatest Stare-Down

32:45 - Kimura’s Four-Pronged Plan

36:45 - Mashiba’s Fear of Losing + Kimura’s Clinch-Dodge

40:19 - Artstyle Evoluton

41:38 - An Exchange of Punches

42:25 - Flying Mouth Guard… But Whose Is It?

43: 25 - The Grand Finale

46:28 - Kimura’s Textbook Boxing Style + Sugarfish Technique

47:50 - Only 3 CM :’(

48:53 - Takamura’s the Petulant Toddler

51:30 - Kimura’s Un-Retirement

53:55 - Mashiba Vs. Kimura: Final Thoughts + Michael’s Top 5

01:00:40 - Were We too Hard on ‘Champion Road’?

 

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Episode edited by Michael D. Rowland

 

Opening/Closing music by Stu Rosenberg