Complete Synopsis of the Anime Hajime No Ippo: Mashiba vs Kimura (2003), A Dramatic Title Fight

Kapanlagi.com - Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs Kimura is a special OVA from the Hajime no Ippo anime series released in 2003, focusing on the fierce fight between Tatsuya Kimura and Ryo Mashiba for the Japanese junior lightweight title at the Champion Carnival event.

Tatsuya Kimura, a boxer from the Kamogawa gym, feels left behind as his friends like Ippo Makunouchi and Mamoru Takamura have already become champions in their respective classes.

1. Synopsis

He gets his first title match opportunity against Mashiba, the reigning champion known for his brutal "Hitman" style and deadly flicker jab.

Kimura realizes that his skills as an ordinary out-fighter are not enough to face Mashiba, who has superior reach and has defeated six opponents into retirement.

Feeling unprepared, Kimura seeks help from Ichiro Miyata, Ippo's rival who has previously suffered a crushing defeat to Mashiba. Through intense sparring with Miyata, Kimura identifies his weaknesses in approaching long-range opponents and seeks new strategies.

Miyata teaches Kimura how to close the distance like an in-fighter while developing a finishing punch to counter Mashiba's flicker jab.

Ryo Mashiba, Kumi's brother (Ippo's girlfriend), is determined to defend his title in order to quickly move towards a world championship title. He underestimates Kimura as a weak challenger and intends to finish him off like his previous opponents.

The match begins with Mashiba dominating using his flicker jab and cross chopper, taking advantage of his height.

2. Brutal Attack

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Kimura struggled to get close, often staggering from Mashiba's accurate punches that left him bleeding and nearly knocked out in the first round.

In the middle rounds, Kimura applied lessons from Miyata: he used feints and footwork to close the distance, landing body blows that shook Mashiba. Despite being knocked down, Kimura got back up with the indomitable spirit typical of the Kamogawa gym.

Mashiba increased the intensity with brutal attacks, but Kimura found an opening with a strong uppercut that countered a flicker jab. The fight became a fierce exchange, with both aiming for a knockout in the decisive round.

3. End of the Fight

The match ended dramatically with Mashiba retaining the title through a controversial decision, but Kimura proved his potential and earned respect. This OVA highlights themes of struggle, friendship, and the evolution of fighting styles.

This OVA takes place after the first season of Hajime no Ippo, adapting the manga arc around chapter 270, and adds depth to supporting characters like Kimura, who rarely gets the spotlight. Produced by Madhouse, it has a runtime of 60 minutes of realistic boxing action.

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