Ep 46. Become a Gazelle!

Hajime no Ippo season 1 episode 46, "Become a Gazelle!", follows our protagonist, Ippo Makunouchi, as he trains for his upcoming match against the formidable boxer, Sendo Takeshi. With only one week left before the match, Ippo decides to increase his speed and footwork by emulating the movements of a gazelle. He seeks guidance from Coach Kamogawa and former junior featherweight champion, Yamada Naomichi, to perfect his new technique.

During a sparring session with Miyata Ichiro, Ippo puts his new skills to the test and surprises his fellow boxer with his improved movement and unpredictability. The spar ends abruptly when Ippo accidentally trips and injures his ankle but manages to hide it from his trainer.

As the match day approaches, Ippo's anxiety builds up. He confesses to his friend, Umezawa Masahiko, that he is worried about not being able to execute his new technique properly during the match. Umezawa advises him to have a clear mind and believe in his own abilities.

On the day of the match, Ippo enters the ring with Sendo. The crowd is cheering for both boxers, creating a charged atmosphere in the arena. Sendo starts the match with an aggressive attack, but Ippo manages to dodge and counter his punches with swift movements, using his new technique.

The match is intense, with both boxers pushing each other to their limits. Several times, Ippo's ankle injury flares up, causing him pain, but he persists. He continues to emulate the gazelle, moving with grace and evading Sendo's punches.

As the match reaches the final round, Ippo manages to land a powerful blow on Sendo, knocking him out and claiming victory. The crowd cheers as Ippo celebrates his hard-earned win with his team.

In the aftermath of the match, Ippo reflects on the importance of having a clear mind and trusting in oneself. He also realizes that he has developed a new technique that has elevated his abilities as a boxer. The episode ends with Ippo looking forward to his next challenge and continuing his journey towards becoming a professional boxer.

Overall, Hajime no Ippo season 1 episode 46 is an exciting episode that showcases Ippo's growth as a boxer and his determination to overcome challenges. It also highlights the importance of having a clear mindset and believing in oneself, which are essential qualities not just for boxing but for life in general.