If you're not sure what to do, King Hippo can be a daunting foe, but if you go in knowing what to expect you won't actually have much trouble. Throwing straight punches will result in Hippo always blocking the attack. Throw too many punches when you're not supposed to and you'll find Mac tiring out quickly. You need a good defense before you'll find a hole in Hippo's defense. Dodge one of his attacks and you can usually follow up with a quick jab to his face to stun the opponent. Whenever you stun Hippo like this, follow immediately with a belly shot and then combo to your heart's desire.

What's interesting about Hippo is that he's essentially impossible to TKO because if you knock him down you'll always get a KO. Hippo never gets up from a knockdown. Block Hippo's jabs so that you can earn a star off of a quick follow-up punch to the gut and then wear down the opponent until he starts getting aggressive and throwing the heavy double punch. Dodge just one heavy double punch and you can follow with a star punch for an instant knockout and an easy win.

Overhand Left/Right

Hippo's got a pair of overhead attacksone left, one rightthat essentially have the exact same properties as far as you're concerned. Neither attack can be blocked, but you can dodge both the left and right attacks with either a left or right dodge, or by ducking under. After dodging, tag Hippo in the face with either jab to stun him and then follow with a hook to the stomach. If you try to hit King Hippo with another jab after first stunning him, he'll block the attack. Alternatively, you can counter Hippo with either jab just as he steps in to punch you. If you tag him in the head before he throws the punch, he'll be left with his pants down, ready for a gut shot.

Left/Right Jab

You'll need to watch for two nearly identical jabs from King Hippo, one from his left hand and one from his right. Both act essentially the same, though you'll need to counter a left or right attack differently. Block a left/right jab and Hippo will drop his hands, leaving himself vulnerable to a quick right/left punch from Mac. Tag him with this punch after blocking Hippo's attack and you'll earn a star. Alternatively, you can dodge Hippo's attack and follow with a head jab to stun him, and then with a body blow to continue the combo.

Heavy Double Punch

When you've brought Hippo down to about 50% health, he'll start unloading this doozie of an attack in which he pulls back and then comes at you...