Burning Blood is a solid three episode OVA leaving me wishing an entire series was adapted for the manga. I can smell the potential here, but there isn't enough time to develop all of the characters and their motives. Many times, you're left wondering why characters' severity in their actions will drastically change. The first episode's back half was a little iffy and didn't need to go quite as far as it did to send the same message. Burning Blood wants to be up front about how edgy and dark it's going to be by wearing its Ashita no Joe inspiration on its sleeve, butI want more time to explore motivations and backstories to give it true edge instead of SA. The old school music is charming, but forgettable. However, the ED is extremely catchy. I want to recommend this to people trying to dip their toes in the water of boxing anime or wanting to watch something a little older, but despite having not read the manga it seems to be the better version if you can find it online.

6.8/10