Proving that not all Anim? series need fantasy or sci-fi elements to be popular FIGHTING SPIRIT (HAJIME NO IPPO) centers on boxing phenom Magunochi Ippo. Ippo was once an outcast teenager until he met trainer Takamura who focused Ippo's angry energy into success as a prize fighter. FORWARD FORWARD is the fifth volume collecting the series and features five complete episodes. Having made it to the semifinals of the Rookie League Ippo faces Hayami a young boxing prodigy with powerful punches that appear to outclass him. Ippo struggles to battle Hayami before the latter can land a finishing blow. Meanwhile Ippo's rival Miyata fights Mashiba setting up the possibility that the enemies will meet in the finals. FIGHTING SPIRIT was directed by Satoshi Nishimura (TRIGUN).