Mashiba Ryo is one of the darker characters in the series, but has shown his lighter and good natured side from time to time. He lives with his sister, Kumi Mashiba, whom he is very protective of. Their parents are deceased, having died in an accident when Mashiba was in school. He is well known for his hitman style of boxing that utilizes one of his specialties, the flicker jab; both of which appear to be modeled after Thomas Hearns. His other specialty is a close range chopping right.