20 Must-Read Fighting Manga

From boxing to countless other combat disciplines, “fighting manga” brings the clash of fists, techniques, and wills to the page. These stories brim with unforgettable rivalries, life-or-death bouts, and the hard‑won growth of fighters in pursuit of strength. Many titles have stood the test of time and are still beloved across generations.

Here, we’ve carefully curated a lineup of recommended fighting manga. You’ll find long-running blockbusters with multiple series arcs as well as exciting newer entries. Add a few of these to your to‑read list for your next adrenaline‑charged binge.

Table of contents

• Recommended fighting manga (completed)
• Recommended fighting manga (ongoing)

Publisher: Akita Shoten Author: Keisuke Itagaki Complete in 42 volumes

This mega‑hit chronicles Baki Hanma’s relentless climb toward the title of “the strongest on Earth,” facing a parade of terrifying opponents. Originally serialized in the 1990s in Weekly Shonen Champion, the broader “Baki” saga now spans multiple parts, with a sixth arc planned, and the anime has become a global sensation.

Despite being a white‑belt novice, young Baki scores clean ippon wins at a karate championship. Driven to surpass his father—feared as “the strongest creature alive”—Baki challenges men who each claim their own brand of ultimate strength.

Follow Baki’s scar‑crossed, mystery‑tinged path—a life of grit and pain. The series pairs savage, spectacular battles with the psychology and pride of fighters obsessed with power. Often called the definitive fighting manga, this is a must‑read shonen classic.

Publisher: Kodansha Original story: Asao Takamori Art: Tetsuya Chiba Complete in 20 volumes

A national treasure of manga that follows a lonely delinquent boy as he discovers boxing and comes of age. Beginning in 1967 in Weekly Shonen Magazine, it sparked a cultural phenomenon, inspired an anime and live‑action films, and earned its place as a sports‑manga landmark.

After a street brawl lands him in a juvenile reformatory, the protagonist Joe Yabuki meets both boxing—and the rival who will shape his fate, Toru Rikiishi. Beaten down by Rikiishi, Joe decides upon release to turn pro, chasing a destined showdown.

Even over 50 years on, this historical masterpiece still resonates. Joe’s burning passion for boxing—and the grueling duels and setbacks that forge him—unfolds as profound human drama. If you love “sports‑spirit” tales about charging headlong at towering walls, start here.

Publisher: Shueisha Story: Buronson Art: Tetsuo Hara Complete in 27 volumes

“You are already dead.” With that iconic line, this fighting manga took the world by storm. Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1983 for five years, it has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. As it marks its 40th anniversary, special exhibitions are planned.

In the aftermath of nuclear war (199X), civilization collapses and brutality rules. Kenshiro, heir to the secret assassination art of Hokuto Shinken, roams the wasteland, guided by fate to confront evil and protect the powerless.

Hokuto Shinken’s pressure‑point strikes—defeating foes from within—are lethal and unforgettable. A powerful ensemble cast and a hard‑boiled, justice‑driven world give the series lasting appeal. If you’re into stark, heroic showdowns, this is essential.

Publisher: Shogakukan Story: Yabako Sandrovich Art: Daromeon Complete in 27 volumes

Corporate disputes settled by sanctioned, bare‑knuckle bouts—this is the world of Kengan matches. A major hit on platforms like Ura Sunday, the series also has a Netflix anime adaptation.

Behind Japan’s economy, companies pit hired fighters against one another in high‑stakes “Kengan bouts” to decide deals worth fortunes. Unremarkable 56‑year‑old salaryman Kazuo Yamashita is suddenly assigned to manage his firm’s gladiator, Ohma Tokita—and gets dragged into the underground business of combat.

It’s a showcase of larger‑than‑life fighters whose clashes determine corporate destinies. With a seasoned martial artist (Yabako Sandrovich) writing the story, the techniques and impact feel vivid and real. If you want a tense, edge‑of‑your‑seat fighting saga, don’t miss this.

Publisher: Hakusensha Author: Kouji Mori Complete in 18 volumes

A street‑fighting drama that became a TV series in both Japan and Korea. Serialized in Young Animal until 2008, it follows Yu Kamishiro, a timid high‑schooler with no place at home or school, desperate to prove he exists.

Once bullied, Yu masters a precise one‑two through boxing manuals and starts beating delinquents on the night streets. He soon gets a reputation as a “Yankee hunter.” Searching for a place of belonging, what answer will he find in the darkness?

Raw one‑on‑one battles—delinquents, martial artists, and more—are staged with care, while the youths’ anguish and longing are portrayed through those street fights. It doubles as a gritty adolescence tale; highly recommended for readers who like their coming‑of‑age with bruises.

Publisher: Hakusensha Author: Shizuya Wazarai Complete in 15 volumes

Set in ancient Rome, this series depicts a slave boxer’s struggle in parallel with the Roman emperor’s burdens. Its second part, “Kenyu Shitoden Cestvs,” is currently serialized, and an anime adaptation aired in 2021.

In A.D. 54, Rome’s lowest rung includes “gladiator schools” breeding slave pugilists. Cestvs, trained in such a school, is selected to represent his cohort in an emperor‑hosted tournament. To win freedom, he dives into a relentless gauntlet.

Fist‑only combat, stark class divides, and hard choices define the fighters’ lives. Grounded in historical detail, it also satisfies as a history manga. If ancient Rome’s arenas, politics, and human drama pique your interest, start here.

Publisher: Kodansha Author: Yasuaki Kita Complete in 24 volumes

A ruthless high‑school brawler who’ll do anything to win throws down with masters of many disciplines in this mixed‑martial‑arts slugfest. By the creator of the outrageous comedy “Makuhari.”

Set in Utsunomiya, North Kanto. Transfer student Jubei Sato looks ordinary—but he’s a natural-born street fighter. Trouble follows him from day one, and soon he’s surrounded by enemies…

Watch Jubei rise using classical martial arts against modern fighters. It’s packed with edgy humor, off‑color gags, and biting satire—yet also delivers heavyweight mixed‑rules battles. If you want a brutally clever, anything‑goes fighting manga, this is for you.

Publisher: Shueisha Author: Toshio Sako Complete in 18 volumes

From the creator of “Usogui” comes a fighting saga centered on capoeira, Brazil’s traditional art that blends fight, music, and dance. It ran in Weekly Young Jump and Tonari no Young Jump, concluding in 2024 at 18 volumes.

Ichiri Sanjo, a junior‑high girl who loves her skateboard, lives an ordinary life shadowed by isolation and constraint. One day after school, she nearly falls victim to a convenience‑store robbery—and witnesses something that upends her fate.

This distinct coming‑of‑age epic weaves capoeira’s rhythm, philosophy, and culture into its fights. If you’re curious about the unique aesthetics of this “dance‑fight” art, Batuque offers a mesmerizing entry point.

Publisher: Kodansha Author: Hiroki Endo Complete in 19 volumes

A standout that ran in Evening until 2016, focusing on “Shooto,” a pioneering Japanese form of mixed martial arts, and the teenage fighters drawn into it.

High‑schooler Meguru Takayanagi meets his childhood friend Takashi Segawa in the ring for the first time in seven years. Once thick as thieves, their lives have diverged; now Takashi sees Meguru as a rival. Without room for nostalgia, the two touch gloves.

The manga explains Shooto’s blend of striking and grappling with crystal‑clear art. Meguru starts average but grows through run‑ins with rivals and teammates alike. If you want a realistic tour of MMA’s grind and glory, this is a perfect pick.

Publisher: Kodansha Story: Izou Hashimoto Art: Akio Tanaka 22 volumes

After committing a grievous crime, a model student discovers karate in juvenile prison and descends into underworld violence—and the fight game. Originally in Manga Action before moving to Evening, it’s a relentlessly dark saga.

Ryo Narushima, a straight‑A student, murders his parents and is incarcerated. There he meets Kenji Kurokawa, a karate master who teaches him how to fight to survive. After release, Ryo drifts into the shadows of society, wielding karate in senseless brawls—until…

From juvie to the criminal underbelly and the ring, the story probes the darkest corners of society and the human heart. If you favor raw, underground atmospheres and savage escalation, “Shamo” hits hard.

Publisher: Shogakukan Author: Syun Matsuena Complete in 61 volumes

A bullied boy finds mentors among legendary masters and builds body and spirit in this action‑comedy juggernaut, serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday for 12 years and adapted into anime.

Hoping to change himself, Kenichi Shirahama joins his high‑school karate club—but his weakness gets him stuck as a gofer again. Then he meets new transfer student Miu Furinji, a peerless martial prodigy…

Inspired by Miu, Kenichi enters Ryozanpaku, a dojo where masters of many real‑world arts live under one roof. Expect training arcs, fan‑service, and dynamic fights—plus a grand tour of authentic styles and schools.

Publisher: Shueisha Author: Tetsuya Saruwatari Complete in 42 volumes

A high‑school successor to a practical classical martial art takes on everyone from teen fighters to underworld killers. Beginning in 1993 in Weekly Young Jump, it became an anime and, with sequels, has topped 10 million copies in print.

Kiichi “Keybo” Miyazawa looks intimidating and loves to scrap, but he’s earnest and soft‑hearted. He crosses paths with another high‑schooler, Mitsuhide Kuroda, who can strip a truck in five minutes—then vows to fight him. To prepare, Keybo doubles down on Nada Shin Kage‑ryu training…

From schoolyard to the shadows, Kiichi battles champions of every style under the legacy of his clan. It’s a classic, sweaty, no‑nonsense fighting manga with family drama and high‑octane showdowns.

Publisher: Kodansha Author: Masatoshi Kawahara Complete in 31 volumes

A smash hit in Monthly Shonen Magazine through the ’80s and ’90s, winner of the 14th Kodansha Manga Award. It helped popularize inter‑style dream matches in manga.

Tsukumo Mutsu, heir to the one‑lineage‑only Mutsu Enmei‑ryu—feared as “unbeaten for a thousand years”—sets out to prove he’s the strongest alive. First stop: the powerhouse karate organization Jinbukan, which he vows to topple.

A lone scion of an esoteric art trekking the globe to face living legends—that timeless fighting romance powers this series. If you adore the thrill of overwhelming skill meeting its match, this is for you.

Publisher: Kodansha Author: Yasushi Baba Complete in 50 volumes

A university gymnast with Olympic dreams is driven out of his sport and finds a new path in karate. This popular series ran in Young Magazine for over a decade.

First‑year Minoru Kohinata trains hard on the gymnastics team until upper‑class hazing crushes his hopes. Recruited by national champion Ryuji Muto, he joins the second karate club—despite having no interest in karate.

As Minoru discovers karate’s depth and beauty, he falls for the art and its challenge. Campus life adds texture—from club politics to rival schools. Watching Minoru’s transformation from gymnast to fighter is half the thrill.

Publisher: Akita Shoten Author: Takahiro Sato Complete in 16 volumes

A cult‑favorite sumo drama with roaring fans. The first arc ran in Weekly Shonen Champion from 2009 to 2012, with multiple sequels continuing the story.

Once a storm in the sumo world, former Ozeki “Karyu” was expelled over an incident and died in despair. His son, Koitaro Samejima, grew into a delinquent. At a touring sumo exhibition, he knocks out a current rikishi by accident—setting destiny in motion.

Koitaro joins the Karu Stable and fights toward yokozuna glory against fierce rivals. Praised by active wrestlers for its authenticity, it captures sumo’s sweat, politics, and pride with realism and heat. If “legendary sumo manga” sounds like your thing, start here.

Publisher: Kodansha Author: George Morikawa 141 volumes and counting

Arguably the definitive boxing manga, still going strong since 1989 in Weekly Shonen Magazine, winner of the 15th Kodansha Manga Award, with over 100 million copies in print.

Bullied high‑schooler Ippo Makunouchi discovers boxing after meeting pro boxer Mamoru Takamura and heads to Kamogawa Gym for tryouts. From there, he sets off on a monumental journey toward the championship.

What is “true strength”? The series tackles this question as Ippo throws himself—honestly, tirelessly—into the sport. If you want a straight‑ahead, uplifting sports epic with heart, Ippo delivers.

Publisher: Shogakukan Author: Atsushi Namikiri 11 volumes and counting

A rising star in Weekly Shonen Sunday since 2022: a frail, sidelined boy steps into the unforgiving stage of MMA.

Aoba Suzuki, a gloomy first‑year, is bullied by a classmate who “plays fight” thanks to MMA lessons. He’s saved by prodigy Kenshin Akazawa—then fixates on a casual remark and vows to punch him just once.

With zero sports background, Aoba leverages keen observation and memory to chase a rematch with the “child prodigy.” A fresh, widely discussed entry in combat manga—well worth your time.

Publisher: Kodansha Story: Genki Katsuragi Art: Aki Saga 3 volumes and counting

A gentle‑seeming honor student with a violent, secret craving steps into women’s combat sports in this audacious new series, serialized on Magazine Pocket since 2024.

Kaho Kuroishi, known as a kind, quiet top student, harbors intrusive fantasies of breaking people—and an irrepressible urge to hit. One day, her fevered imagination is shattered when she meets a real‑life slasher.

Kaho’s obsessive hunger becomes a disruptive force—and a possible lifeline—for women’s fighting promotions. How will her mania alter those around her? A provocative new voice in the genre.

Publisher: Shogakukan Story: Yabako Sandrovich Art: MAAM 3 volumes and counting

From the hit “How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?” duo comes a gritty, high‑voltage look at underground women’s fighting, running on MangaONE and Ura Sunday since 2023.

After being cut from her promotion, fighter Nozomi Tenma teams with a yakuza and a crooked cop—childhood friends—to launch a women‑only underground league. Their star recruit? A deceptively cute but deadly high‑school girl.

Blood‑spattered rises, backroom deals, and the spectacle of musclebound heroines—this one blends visceral fights with the scrappy human drama of building a promotion from nothing.

Publisher: Takeshobo Story: Kazuyoshi Ishii Art: Hanamura 10 volumes and counting

An offbeat concept from the founder of K‑1 himself, Kazuyoshi Ishii. After an early release from prison on tax charges, Ishii dies in a traffic accident—then finds his soul inside a high‑school girl, Kei Ichinose.

Learning that Kei’s family karate dojo is drowning in debt, Ishii resolves to save it with the tool he knows best: business. As a teen girl with a mogul’s mind, he sets out to reboot a struggling dojo and turn a profit.

A quirky cross of combat and commerce. Come for the karate deep‑dives; stay for the tactical hustle of reviving a legacy through showmanship and savvy.