By the third round, Ippo is physically and mentally drained. Kobashi has built a significant point lead, and Ippo's body is stiff from the accumulation of small, nagging hits.
As the final round begins, Kobashi is comfortably ahead. However, he becomes obsessed with the "dream of a KO". Despite his coach's orders to stay safe and cruise to a decision win, Kobashi decides he wants to prove he can actually knock someone out. Hajime no Ippo (Dub) Episode 19
The fight begins with Kobashi completely dominating Ippo by using a "clinch and hit" strategy. Kobashi isn't looking for a flashy knockout; his goal is to win purely on points by landing light jabs and then immediately clinching to prevent Ippo from using his devastating power. By the third round, Ippo is physically and mentally drained
In Episode 19 of the first season, titled (or "Cliffhanger" in some versions), Ippo Makunouchi faces one of his most frustrating and technical challenges yet in the East Japan Rookie King Tournament: the strategic out-boxer Kenta Kobashi . The Technical Trap However, he becomes obsessed with the "dream of a KO"
The episode ends with Ippo heading to the stands to watch the main event: versus the champion Yoshiaki Yajima, where Takamura is shockingly knocked down almost immediately. Episode 19 (Season 1) | Wiki Ippo | Fandom
Coach Kamogawa realizes Ippo is losing on the scorecards. In a desperate attempt to wake Ippo's body up between rounds, he resorts to a shock tactic—dumping ice down Ippo's trunks. He tells Ippo bluntly that his only path to victory now is a knockout . The Turning Point