Hajime no Ippo Season 3: Rising

The season begins with Ippo defending his newly won title as the Japanese Featherweight Champion. He faces a tough opponent in Arnie Gregory, an American boxer known for his powerful punches. Despite the odds, Ippo manages to defeat Gregory and solidify his position as a formidable champion. However, this victory also brings new challengers seeking to test their skills against the rising star.

One of the pivotal events in the season revolves around Ippo’s former rival and now close friend, Miyata Ichirou. Miyata, a skilled boxer aiming to become the world champion in a different weight class, struggles with the pressure and expectations placed upon him. As Miyata’s career takes a downturn, he becomes disillusioned with his current path and begins to question his own skills and motivations.

Meanwhile, Ippo’s coach, Kamogawa Genji, decides to train a new young boxer named Kimura Tatsuya. Kimura has always been a reliable member of Ippo’s gym, but now he steps into the spotlight to prove himself as a professional boxer. Kimura’s journey becomes an important subplot as he faces various opponents and grapples with his own insecurities and doubts.

The season also introduces a significant new character, Sawamura Ryuuhei, a skilled and dangerous boxer known for his brutal style and lack of sportsmanship. Sawamura becomes a formidable opponent for Ippo, testing both his physical abilities and his mental resilience. The match between Ippo and Sawamura becomes a crucial turning point in the season, as Ippo’s determination and unwavering spirit are put to the ultimate test.