Fighting Spirit: Champion Road
Fighting Spirit: Champion Road
| 25 June 2003 (USA)
Fighting Spirit: Champion Road Trailers

Makunouchi Ippo is the new Featherweight champion of Japan and is now ready for his first title defense. His opponent, the former Jr. Featherweight champion and a medical student, Sanada Kazuki. In addition to this feud, Sanada is being coached by Kamogawa's former rival, Hama Dankichi. What makes things worse is that Sanada works at the same hospital where Kumi is a nurse at and everybody at the hospital wants Sanada to win. Not only does Ippo have to defend his title, he has to reclaim his love.

Reviews
Incannerax What a waste of my time!!!
BelSports This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.
Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
Sarita Rafferty There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.
ssjearnest In this movie you see Ippo in his first title defense after he defeats Sendo at the end of the series. It shows Ippo and how well he has developed over months after the fierce fight with Sendo. He learns that his opponent is the former junior featherweight champion who is very strong and his name is Sanada Kazuki and since he is in doctor he knows where to hit a person to inflict max damage without having to have a lot of power. There is another twist to this great film. Sanada corner man is Ippo's trainer Kamagowa old opponent. This movie is a must see for all Hajime no Ippo fans. Lots of bone crushing blows and of course humor, an enjoyable film for all fans. I recommend this film for all anime fans and non-anime fans everywhere.