Ippo Makunouchi is a shy high school student who helps his mother with the family fishing boat. After getting beaten up one day, pro boxer Mamoru Takamura rescues him and introduces him to boxing at the Kamogawa Gym. Ippo discovers his talent and begins his journey as a determined featherweight fighter. Written and illustrated by George Morikawa. Japanese manga. On hiatus. Read Hajime no Ippo manga in English, updated when available. Also known as: はじめの一歩 · Hajime no Ippo · The First Step · Fighting Spirit