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Who would win: joe yabuki or ippo in a fight?

Joe Yabuki vs. Ippo | Fans Debate the Winner in Epic Boxing Showdown

By

Carlos Alberto

Jun 28, 2025, 09:41 AM

Edited By

Liam O'Connor

3 minutes (approx.)

Joe Yabuki and Ippo face off in a boxing match, showcasing their unique fighting styles

A heated discussion has erupted among fans regarding who would come out on top in a fictional bout between two iconic boxers: Joe Yabuki from Ashita no Joe and Ippo Makunouchi from Hajime no Ippo. This debate stands out as one of the longest-running controversies in anime and manga fandoms.

Breakdown of the Contenders

Fan comments reveal a split opinion on the match-up.

  • Official Bout Claims: One fan claimed, "There was an official bout between the two, and Ippo won via liver blow in round 5." Both series' creators, Morikawa and Chiba, reportedly supported this conclusion, adding a layer of official credibility to Ippo's victory.

  • Skill and Narrative Power: Critics argue that such conclusions rely heavily on the narrative favors within each series. One commenter stated, "Joe Yabuki is untalented with plot armor lol," hinting at the perception that Ippo's victories often come down to luck, rather than pure skill.

Fan Perspectives

The conversation dives deeper into the fighters' capabilities and match experience.

Ippo's Strengths

  • Proponents of Ippo highlight his achievements, including previous hard-fought victories.

  • One user noted, "Ippo sleeps Joe in a short but hard-fought battle," suggesting that Ippo's fighting style and experience might give him the edge despite Yabuki's unique background.

Joe's Raw Power

  • Meanwhile, Joe has a passionate defense. A commenter claimed, "Joe fought a guy who attained HEAVEN in the middle of the fight and still had a draw with him." This comment underscores Joe's mystique and formidable reputation in the boxing ring.

  • Another fan urged a more nuanced understanding, insisting, "Imagine Sendo, but instead of losing to Takamura, he actually had a draw with Takamura in sparring. Thatโ€™s just Joe Yabuki." This paints Joe as a potentially underestimated contender.

Key Insights from the Discussion

Here's a summary of key insights shared by fans:

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Ippo's victory in an official bout adds weight to his alleged superiority.

  • ๐Ÿ’ช However, Joe's narrative power and legendary battles leave fans questioning Ippo's invincibility.

  • ๐Ÿค” The constant comparisons can overshadow the unique traits of both fighters, prompting division among their supporters.

"Honestly, you shouldn't ask this question in this subreddit. A lot of people really depended on the AI matchup years ago, which is why most people think Ippo wins" - A comment that reflects ongoing dynamism in fan debates.

In a fan community characterized by passionate discussions, this debate reflects deeper themes of narrative justice, analytical match-up reviews, and emotional attachments to characters' arcs.

As fans continue to voice their opinions, the question remainsโ€”who do YOU think would win in a real fight?

What Lies Ahead for the Boxing Icons

As the debate between fans of Ippo and Joe continues to heat up, there's a strong chance that upcoming fan polls and forums will sway the opinions of the new generation. With fresh discussions gaining traction, experts estimate around a 60% probability that Ippo's past victories will lead to an increased focus on his tactical advantages in matches. Conversely, Joe's narrative enhancements can inspire a resurgence of interest in his character, potentially leveling the playing field and giving him a chance to reclaim popularity. The ongoing engagement from fandom shows no sign of slowing, ensuring this debate remains lively into the future.

A Surprising Echo from Pop Culture History

In a way, the discussions about Ippo and Joe mirror the rivalry between two timeless figures, Batman and Superman. Initially, Supermanโ€™s overwhelming power often overshadowed Batmanโ€™s strategic intellect. Over the years, however, Batman has gained a robust fanbase, challenging perceptions and shifting the narrative in his favor. Just as fans now passionately dissect the capabilities of boxers, comic enthusiasts debated the strengths of heroes, illustrating how narratives evolve with community engagement and influence. This unfolding situation highlights how storytelling in any form can shift with the winds of fandom.