“Abused teen Riku kills yakuza in self-defense, becomes boxer seeking OPBF championship and redemption.”
Rikudou
リクドウ
Would You Love or Hate This?
AI-powered analysis tailored to your taste
Based on your preference for character-driven stories with layered emotional arcs, this title's exploration of identity and belonging would deeply resonate. The pacing mirrors series you've rated highly, and its thematic depth aligns with your appreciation for nuanced storytelling...
However, the slow initial episodes might test your patience given your history of dropping shows that don't hook you early. The art style shift in the middle arc could also be a concern...
Synopsis
Abused teen Riku kills yakuza in self-defense, becomes boxer seeking OPBF championship and redemption.
After the suicide of his abusive father, young Riku Azami is taken in by his mother, who lives with a violent yakuza member. When Riku angers his mother's intoxicated boyfriend, a life or death struggle ensues and Riku kills the man in self-defense. After this incident, Kyousuke Tokorozawa, a former boxer and yakuza member, notices Riku's fighting potential and introduces him to the world of boxing. Etched with trauma from being beaten and nearly murdered, Riku hardens his resolve to fight. Despite his aloof demeanor, Riku discovers many things to fight for—including his caring childhood friend, Yuki Naeshiro. Years later, after training at the famous Baba Boxing Gym, Riku discovers an innate desire to rise to the top. Now, as a professional boxer, 18-year-old Riku is determined to earn the prestigious Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation belt and become a boxing champion.
What people say
Community consensus
Derived from 11 sampled reviews
What 11 readers settled on.
Mostly aligned
σ 1.14 · some divergence
2.4 pts
Recommenders 8.4 · others 6.0
↓ 0.27
Running avg · Nov 2014 → Jun 2025
- 8 “This is one of the best boxing manga I have seen in ages, featuring impeccable historical depth and exceptionally well-crafted fight scenes. While the heavy seinen themes may limit its mainstream...”
- 8 “This series is a refreshing departure from unnecessary shock value, instead offering a narrative overflowing with hope, kindness, and a compelling cast of characters. There are no significant flaws...”
- 9 “Rikudou is an exceptional manga that transcends the boxing genre through its dark, heavy themes and the meaningful, well-paced maturation of its protagonist. There are no notable flaws to report,...”
Read Order & Related
A self-contained story.
No sequels, spin-offs or alternate tellings — Rikudou begins and ends here.
Cast
See all →Gallery
See all →If you stay for this, you'll stay for these
See all →The community pairs this with
See all →Publication slate
A Manga Publication
- Format 241 × 23 ch × vol
- Total read 32h 08m approx
- Published Apr 2014 – May 2019
- Source Manga media type
- Ref. BS-M30009 catalog