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The Best Episodes of Fighting Spirit Season 3

Every episode of Fighting Spirit Season 3 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Fighting Spirit Season 3!

Binge this in 10h 0m•Peaking at 10.0/10

Makunouchi Ippo is an ordinary high school student in Japan. Since he spends most of his time away from school helping his mother run the family business, he doesn't get to enjoy his younger years

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 1 - The Strongest Challenger
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #1 - The Strongest Challenger

    S3:E1

    Makunouchi Ippo defeated Sendou Takeshi with his Dempsey Roll and became the Japanese Featherweight Champion! Reflecting on his recent title defenses, Ippo reminisces about his late father Kazuo, and his own desires to be as strong as his dad was.

    Directors:Minoru Yamaoka, Shun Kudo
    Writer:Kazuyuki Fudeyasu

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  2. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 2 - The Dempsey Roll Destroyed
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #2 - The Dempsey Roll Destroyed

    S3:E2

    With his title on the line, Ippo goes toe-to-toe with Shimabukuro. The battle is so intense Ippo doesn’t even have room to breathe, to the point he starts turning blue! With Ippo struggling at the “bottom of the ocean,” has Shimabukuro met his goal of destroying the Dempsey Roll?!

    Director:Masato Jimbo
    Writer:Kazuyuki Fudeyasu

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  3. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 3 - A Woman's Battle
    9.0/10(3 votes)

    #3 - A Woman's Battle

    S3:E3

    Ippo emerges victorious after a vicious war with Shimabukuro, and Itagaki’s sister Nanako comes to pay him a visit at home while he rests. Meanwhile, Aoki is busy preparing for his first ever title match against the lightweight champion Imae Katsutaka.

    Director:Shun Kudo
    Writer:Kazuyuki Fudeyasu

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  4. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 4 - The Goddess of Victory
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #4 - The Goddess of Victory

    S3:E4

    After an infuriating face-off with Imae, Aoki turns to his girlfriend Tomiko for comfort. Meanwhile, Imae chooses to focus all his energy on boxing and his upcoming title defense, rebuffing his former girlfriend Sachiko’s attempts to rekindle their romance. Will Tomiko’s support carry Aoki to victory, or will Imae’s intense focus keep the belt on his waist?

    Director:Tatsuma Minamikawa
    Writer:Atsuo Ishino

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  5. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 5 - 100% Fake
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #5 - 100% Fake

    S3:E5

    Imae’s long hours of research quickly pay off as he decimates Aoki by countering every one of his trademark attacks, even the Frog Punch! As Tomiko watches on and the crowd awaits the inevitable knockout, Aoki does something that leaves the whole arena in shock.

    Director:Shun Kudo
    Writer:Kazuyuki Fudeyasu

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  6. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 6 - The Distance Between Me and Glory
    8.7/10(2 votes)

    #6 - The Distance Between Me and Glory

    S3:E6

    Imae, cowed by Aoki’s fearsome new move, suddenly realizes what it is Aoki has that he lacks. Summoning up all the energy he has left, he faces his challenger once again. As the fight drags on, will Imae retain his championship, or will Aoki finally reach the belt?

    Directors:Shun Kudo, Akira Mano
    Writer:Atsuo Ishino

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  7. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 7 - Cheese Champion
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #7 - Cheese Champion

    S3:E7

    Sendou Takeshi, the "Naniwa Tiger," returns to the ring! But it's his sparring partner, Sawamura Ryuuhei, who knocks Ippo for a loop when he calls the Dempsey Roll a "clumsy technique" and declares he's gunning for the Featherweight Title!

    Directors:Tadao Okubo, Shun Kudo
    Writer:Kazuyuki Fudeyasu

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  8. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 8 - The Mad Dog and the Red Wolf
    9.0/10(3 votes)

    #8 - The Mad Dog and the Red Wolf

    S3:E8

    Ippo's next title defense is confirmed to be against Sawamura Ryuuhei, and after realizing the Dempsey Roll is vulnerable to counter punches, Ippo realizes he doesn't stand a chance. His only option is to somehow evolve the Dempsey Roll into a more effective move, but as he mulls over exactly how to do it, a surprisingly familiar face appears in front of him.

    Directors:Shun Kudo, Masami Hata
    Writer:Kazuyuki Fudeyasu

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  9. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 9 - A Savage Scenario
    9.3/10(3 votes)

    #9 - A Savage Scenario

    S3:E9

    Volg has return to Japan to take back his boxing gloves from Ippo. He hopes to travel to America, but with no contacts there he must rely on Coach Kamogawa to introduce him to someone. The gang at the gym asks Volg to spar with Ippo to help him prepare for the Sawamura fight, but after such a long time away from the ring, can the Russian get in fighting shape in time?

    Director:Minoru Yamaoka
    Writer:Atsuo Ishino

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  10. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 10 - The Face Of Determination
    9.0/10(3 votes)

    #10 - The Face Of Determination

    S3:E10

    As the fight with Sawamura draws near, Ippo has pinned all his hopes on the newly-evolved Dempsey Roll, to the point where practicing it has left him worn out and overtrained. Left with a dire warning from his massage therapist about the toll his new move is taking, will Ippo be able to perfect his technique in time for the fight?!

    Director:Akira Mano
    Writer:Atsuo Ishino

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  11. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 11 - Fearless Challenger
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #11 - Fearless Challenger

    S3:E11

    Sawamura's blatant fouls and bullet-like left jabs leave Ippo scrambling to establish some kind of rhythm. He stubbornly forces his way inside, but is he charging headfirst into a trap?

    Director:Masami Hata
    Writer:Hideo Takayashiki

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  12. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 12 - The Anti-Dempsey Perfected
    9.0/10(3 votes)

    #12 - The Anti-Dempsey Perfected

    S3:E12

    Ippo mounts a desperate, full frontal assault as Sawamura continues to toy with him. Determined to take back the pace, Ippo begins to dodge the Bullets and get into a rhythm as he strikes back. Almost naturally he falls into the Dempsey Roll pattern, and Sawamura makes his move!

    Director:Masami Hata
    Writer:Hideo Takayashiki

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  13. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 13 - A Fist That Picks You Up
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #13 - A Fist That Picks You Up

    S3:E13

    The evolved Dempsey Roll saved Ippo from the jaws of defeat. Bolstered by the cheering fans, he chases down Sawamura. But with Sawamura more willing than ever to risk an illegal move, will Ippo's last bit of energy be enough to defend the title?

    Director:Shun Kudo
    Writer:Hideo Takayashiki

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  14. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 14 - Empowering Words
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #14 - Empowering Words

    S3:E14

    Ippo visits Dr. Yamaguchi and learns the full extent of the damage caused by the evolved Dempsey Roll. As he walks home on crutches, Umezawa drives by and gives him a lift. Ippo's relief is short-lives, however, as Umezawa suddenly reveals he plans to quit working on the Makunouchi fishing boat!

    Director:Masayoshi Nishida
    Writer:Atsuo Ishino

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  15. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 15 - A Storm Descends on Makunouchi Fishing Boat
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #15 - A Storm Descends on Makunouchi Fishing Boat

    S3:E15

    To celebrate Ippo's win and recovery, the whole gym gang hops aboard the Makunouchi Fishing Boat for a fun fishing trip. Yagi suggests they liven things up with a little contest, and suddenly a relaxing afternoon turns into an all-out war!

    Director:Kim Dong-jun
    Writer:Atsuo Ishino

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  16. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 16 - Golden Eagle
    10.0/10(3 votes)

    #16 - Golden Eagle

    S3:E16

    While Takamura approaches his physical limits as he cuts weight for his upcoming world title match, the American champion David Eagle arrives in Japan. Talented, dedicated, respectful, and honorable, he exudes the aura of a true champion.

    Director:Tadao Okubo
    Writer:Atsuo Ishino

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  17. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 17 - Eleki's Shocker and Papaya's Coconut
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #17 - Eleki's Shocker and Papaya's Coconut

    S3:E17

    It's time for Kimura and Aoki to step into the ring at the Yokohama Arena! Kimura's up first, and nerves come into play as he stands before a huge crowd for the first time. Then when Aoki's turn comes up, he finds himself perplexed by a boxer every bit as unorthodox as himself! Can the duo set the right tone for Takamura's title match?!

    Director:Masami Hata
    Writer:Katsunari Ishida

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  18. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 18 - The Unfinished New Counter
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #18 - The Unfinished New Counter

    S3:E18

    It's the semifinal match, Miyata vs. Dachboy, and the Miyata camp recognizes a familiar face in the opponent's corner... Mister Sakaguchi, the former manager of the boxer Miyata beat for the OPBF title!

    Director:Kim Min-sun
    Writer:Atsuo Ishino

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  19. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 19 - Hawk vs. Eagle
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #19 - Hawk vs. Eagle

    S3:E19

    It's finally time for the main event, Takamura Mamoru vs. David Eagle! The challenger is full of vim and vigor, but even in the face of Takamura's fury, Eagle's face remains calm and collected.

    Director:Minoru Yamaoka
    Writer:Tatsuro Inamoto

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  20. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 20 - A Lesson Never Forgotten
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #20 - A Lesson Never Forgotten

    S3:E20

    Despite being stymied by Eagle, Takamura assures his corner he has a plan for victory. Just as he seems to be making progress, a shocking development changes the entire fight.

    Director:Chiharu Sato
    Writer:Tatsuro Inamoto

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  21. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 21 - The End of the Death Match
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #21 - The End of the Death Match

    S3:E21

    Blood sprays across the ring as Takamura and Eagle pound at each other's cuts. Takamura's good eye is quickly swelling shut, and the ringside doctor stands ready to call the match at any time.

    Director:Masami Hata
    Writer:Tatsuro Inamoto

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  22. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 22 - Flower of Hope
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #22 - Flower of Hope

    S3:E22

    And old photo and a little prodding from Ippo and Aoki prompts Coach Kamogawa and Nekota to take a trip down memory lane. Theirs is a tale of hope, frustration, and ultimately redemption in the early days of postwar Japan.

    Director:Kim Dong-jun
    Writer:Satoshi Nishimura

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  23. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 23 - The Courage to Live
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #23 - The Courage to Live

    S3:E23

    Prizefighting turns out to be no match for boxing as Sergeant Ralph Anderson easily manhandles Kamogawa and Nekota. The two fighters redouble their training even as they adjust to their new lives living with Yuki...and each other.

    Director:Kenji Muto
    Writer:Satoshi Nishimura

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  24. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 24 - Iron Fist
    9.3/10(2 votes)

    #24 - Iron Fist

    S3:E24

    Kamogawa breathes a sigh of relief as he watches Nekota run circles around Anderson with his spectacular footwork... Until round four, when the soldier's frustration reaches a critical mass and things take a dark turn.

    Director:Kim Min-sun
    Writer:Satoshi Nishimura

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  25. Fighting Spirit Season 3 Episode 25 - A Vow
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #25 - A Vow

    S3:E25

    Kamogawa resorts to pounding a log with his bare fists as he trains to face Anderson and avenge Nekota. Anderson rediscovers his pride as a boxer and brings Miguel along as his cornerman. Everything comes down to this!

    Director:Satoshi Nishimura
    Writer:Satoshi Nishimura

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Season 3 Ratings Summary

"The Strongest Challenger" is the best rated episode of "Fighting Spirit" season 3. It scored 8.7/10 based on 3 votes. Directed by Minoru Yamaoka, Shun Kudo and written by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu, it aired on 10/6/2013. This episode is rated 0.4 points higher than the second-best, "The Dempsey Roll Destroyed".