Sanji has had a lot of memorable fights in One Piece, and some have really humbled him. After watching the recent One Piece live-action, it’s safe to say that fans have a renewed sense of admiration for the Straw Hat’s cook. With a complex backstory, along with a charming personality, Sanji has been a longtime favorite for the One Piece community. It has been incredible to watch this character advance through every saga to be such a formidable fighter. That said, improvement often involves plenty of failure. So, who are the notable figures who have defeated Sanji in the past? Let’s list them now.
7. Enel: Facing A God
Enel, once known as the oppressive ruler, often referred to as the “God,” of Skypiea, stands as the main antagonist within the Skypiea Arc and consequently, the central adversary of the entire Sky Island Saga. Originating from Birka, Enel wielded the abilities of the Goro Goro no Mi, leading to the devastation of his homeland before seizing control of Skypiea alongside his devoted followers.
The fight with Sanji takes place on his ark, which is a monument to Enel’s narcissism. While running a sabotage mission. Sanji takes a massive hit from Enel, while Usopp and Nami ride off the deck. Sanji is fried by Enel’s lightning-based offensive, but manages to thank his enemy for lighting his cigarette before passing out. Pretty cool Sanji. Pretty cool.
6. Aokiji: An Admiral’s Scorn
We’ve discussed Kuzan (or Aokiji) in our segment Who is Admiral Aokiji: The Marine That Turned Away. His ice-based attacks using the Hie Hie no Mi are brutal, freezing opponents with Logia-level synchronicity. This is on full display during the first confrontation with the Straw Hats.
Plenty are quick to point out that Sanji’s defeat was the product of inexperience. One is compelled to agree with this, as Sanji has grown significantly. Also, his vendetta is fueled by his need to protect those he loves. Fans are already screaming for a redemption fight in the Final Saga.
5. Kizaru: Blinded By The Light
This one was an obvious fail, and there wasn’t much Sanji – or anyone else for that matter – could do about it. He got the bug zapper treatment. In our piece Master of Light: Who is Admiral Kizaru?, we are confronted with the fact that Kizaru is almost undefeatable. I mean, maybe you could take the Admiral on when he’s asleep, but that’s about it.
It’s a fair claim that Sanji would be incapable of facing Kizaru even now, considering that Kizaru almost never needs to use his hands. He basically stomps everyone and just vanishes if the fight turns. Lastly, we didn’t even mention his Ama no Murakumo Sword.
4. Kuma: A Foreign Weapon
Formerly dreaded as an exceedingly ruthless pirate, and bearing the title “Tyrant,” this individual has undergone a transformation into a human weapon known as a “Pacifista.” This transformation was engineered by the brilliant scientist Vegapunk. The Straw Hat Pirates crossed paths with this freak of nature first during the Thriller Bark Arc. Also, subsequently during the Sabaody Archipelago Arc. It was during the latter encounter that this individual played a pivotal role in actually forcing the Straw Hats to split up.
When Sanji strikes him with a kick, not only do we see a rare occasion where Zoro loses composure, but it’s clear this is a loss. Hypothetically, current Sanji would probably take Kuma to the ground in any form. He’s really grown since the first encounter with this massive pirate.
3. Vergo: Not Enough Time
Known as “Demon Bamboo” Vergo, he held the high position of one of the four elite officers within the Donquixote Pirates and was the first to take up a key seat, operating under the alias Corazon. We go deep into this character in A Lethal Traitor: Who is Vice Admiral Vergo? Before his affiliation with the pirates, he served as a Marine Vice Admiral and was in charge of G-5.
This is another case where Sanji would probably win now, but this was far from the case at the time. Vergo possesses a somewhat competent Armament Haki in the fight, and Sanji isn’t in his prime condition. Nevertheless, it’s undeniably embarrassing to undergo two years of training only to lose a leg so readily to Vergo. There’s no denying the awkwardness of the situation. Unfortunately, we’ll never know what could have been due to Vergo’s failure to complete his sadistic mission.
2. Doflamingo: Kicking The Puppet Master
This was an interesting match for sure. Even at the start of the battle, Doffy (as some fans call him) or Doflamingo gives Sanji a nod. However, one can’t argue with the fact that Dressrosa’s antagonist is just smarter than Sanji… well, at least more cunning. Doflamingo is a master of misdirection and successfully disguises his true powers for a long time. Sanji fanatics will be quick to point out that this was dirty and deceptive. The counterpoint: One Piece isn’t a playground and there are no rules when fighting for your life. It took many skilled fighters to bring this maniac down, and the fight was fair. Sanji just couldn’t keep up.
1. Vinsmoke Judge: Father vs Son
Vinsmoke Judge, who also goes by the name “Garuda,” holds the title of Germa Kingdom’s monarch, the highest-ranking officer within the Germa 66, and serves as the head of the Vinsmoke Family. Notably, he is Sanji’s biological father. This is what makes this battle so interesting, as well as somewhat unfair.
This fight probably has the most depth, and there are tons of theories as to why Sanji lost the fight with his abusive father. The prevailing one is that obviously kicking your dad in the face isn’t like brushing your teeth. Especially when this father figure (or anti-father figure) has been belittling you for your entire childhood for being a complete disappointment. Anyway, with the way Sanji has matured throughout the anime and manga, he’d definitely knock him out now. This is the last – and possibly the best – example of Sanji’s ability to come out of the other side stronger than ever.
