Tag Archives: kownacki

Posted on 03/08/2020

By: Rich Lopez

Premier Boxing Champions returned back to FOX with three fights in the heavyweight division. The card was staged at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. A huge Polish crowd was on hand hoping for another great performance from their countrymen Adam Kownacki. However, his challenger Robert Helenius did not follow the script. 

In the main event, Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius(30-3, 19 KO’s) shocked the world and scored a TKO overAdam “Babyface” Kownacki (20-1, 15 KO’s) in the fourth round. This fight was a WBA World Heavyweight Title Eliminator. In the opening round, Helenius started to use his jab in long range but Kownacki wasted no time coming forward. Kownacki got close to Helenius and landed body shots. In round two, the action picked up. Kownacki came forward and was able to land a right hand on the chin of Helenius. Helenius then backed up Kownacki with two right hands on the chin. Kownacki then finished the round coming forward and both men traded shots.

In round three, Kownacki worked the body of Helenius. He backed up Helenius on the ropes and landed punches to his body and head. Once again, Helenius fired back with right hands that landed on the head of Kownacki. In round four, as Kownacki came forward, both fighters traded punches. In an exchange, Helenius landed a right hand on the chin of Kownacki that dropped him. However, the ref did not rule it a knockdown. Once Kownacki got up, Helenius landed a right hand that dropped Kownacki. Once Kownacki got up, Heleniuswent for the finish. He landed a barrage of punches on Kownacki that prompted the referee to stop the fight. The shocking ending came at 1:08 of the fourth round. 

This was another shake up in the heavyweight division. Kownacki was expected to win this fight for a chance at a title shot or land a bigger fight. However, anything can happen in the heavyweight division when you have big punchers hitting each other. For Helenius, he just resurrected his career and is once again a top world heavyweight. Now, he will be lined up for a world title shot. Quite a comeback story for Helenius. Good action fight from both men that ended in a stunner.

In the co-feature, Efe Ajagba (13-0, 11 KO’s) scored a ninth round TKO over Razvan Cojanu (17-7, 9 KO’s). Ajagba stalked Cojanu in the first round. He focused on landing his left jab and his right hand to the head of Cojanu. In the second round, Cojanu came out and put the pressure on Ajagba. Cojanu landed a few hooks to the body of Ajagba. Both fighters stayed close to each other and worked well in the inside in round three. Ajagbalanded good left hooks to the body of Cojanu. Both fighters were busy in round four. Ajagba landed a few overhand rights on the head of Cojanu. Cojanu started to come forward in round five and he worked the body of Ajagba. Ajagba returned the favor and landed his own body shots. Things heated up in round six. Ajagba landed a series of right and left hooks to the head of Cojanu. Cojanu did some good body work on Ajagba. In round seven, Ajagba concentrated on the body of Cojanu and had success. In round eight, a right hand by Ajagba landed on the head of Cojanu. Cojanu went down on his knee and he got up on the count of nine. Ajagba went forward and landed a right hand followed by a left hook to finish the round. In round nine, a battered Cojanu made a final stand and traded with Ajagba. Ajagba threw all power shots to the head of Cojanu and Cojanuwent down on his knee again. The referee saw enough and waived off the fight. The time of the stoppage was 2:46 of round nine. 

Ajagba scored another stoppage and against his toughest opponent up to date. It was an impressive performance from Ajagba. Not only did he display his power again but we saw a different wrinkle in his game. Ajagba boxed well throughout the fight. He used his jab well and kept a high guard. He also mixed his attack with body shots that eventually broke down Cojanu. 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez (15-0, 11 KO’s) dominated Joey “Tank” Dawejko (20-8-4, 11 KO’s) to earn a ten round unanimous decision. The opening round was a feel out round. Both guys started using their jabs. Sanchez out landed Dawejko on jabs in the round. In round two, Sanchez continued to stay busy with his jab while Dawejko relied only on his defense. Sanchez landed a few straight right hands to the body and head of Dawejko in round three. Dawejko was still waiting around to land a counter while talking to his opponent. At the end of the round, Sanchez landed a left jab that popped the head of Dawejko. In round four, Dawejko made an adjustment of coming forward, but Sanchez did not let him get in close. Sanchez used his left jab well and showed good side to side movement. Sanchez landed a good right hand on the head of Dawejko in round five. The fighters ended up bumping heads which cut Dawejko’s left eye. In round six, Sanchez continued to move and box while Dawejko was just following Sanchez around. Dawejko was coming forward inround seven but was not effective. In round eight, Dawejkocame forward and tried to get close again. He landed a body shot on Sanchez but it was not enough. Sanchez continued to popDawejko with left jabs and straight right hands. Sanchez started to land combinations in round nine. At the end of the round, Sanchez landed a right hand on the head of Dawejko and Dawejko landed a quick counter right hand on the head of Sanchez. In the final round, Dawejko had a better round and got closer to Sanchez. In the inside, Dawejko landed a few body shots and Sanchez kept boxing and moving. The final scores of the fight were 98-92, and 100-90 (twice) all for Sanchez.

It was a good win for Sanchez who displayed good boxing skills. He out boxed and outclassed a durable challenger in Dawejko. Sanchez did not get a knockout but Dawejko is a tough guy with a good chin. We should see Sanchez against a tougher opponent in his next outing.

Posted on 01/04/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Adam Kownacki has been marching his way to the top of the Heavyweight division over the past few years. He might only be 30 years of age with just 20 fights in his career, but he has already claimed the scalps of former title challengers Gerald Washington and Artur Szpilka, stopping both men. Kownacki has shown that he isn’t far away from title contention in defeating former world champion Charles Martin. 

After waging an absolute war against Chris Arreola in his last ring appearance, Kownacki will return to the ring for the first time in 2020 on March 7th, at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York. As a result of Kownacki making frequent appearances in his hometown’s boxing arena, he has gained a considerably large fanbase. His aforementioned fanbase has only grown in size when considering his last performance. 

On August 3rd, 2019, Kownacki (20-0, 15 KOs) took on yet another former title challenger, this time in the form of Chris Arreola. The two stoutly built big men destroyed the record books as they combined to throw and land the most punches in a Heavyweight contest. 

At this point, the Barclay Center could be renamed after Kownacki as this will be his tenth contest in the Brooklyn located building and his fifth straight. As for his opponent, that is yet to be revealed, but he won’t be short on options. 

Throughout the ten year career of Kownacki, he has shown an ability to improve each and every time he has entered the ring. 2020 will be an important year for his career in terms of his title aspirations. The undefeated Kownacki holds a top five ranking in the WBA, IBF and WBO sanctioning bodies. He also maintains a top 10 spot in the WBC as well. 

With unified Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua currently tied up with two mandatory challengers, his 2020 is all but booked. WBC belt holder Deontay Wilder and Lineal champion Tyson Fury have a date of their own scheduled for February 22nd.Regardless of the winner, there is belief that the two could face each other once more during the second half of the year. 

Kownacki’s championship opportunity are seemingly bleak during the 2020 year. However, if he can continue his dominant run through the division, he will soon find himself in a mandatory position. For Kownacki, winning a world championship would be an accomplishment for not only himself but for his entire country.

“I’m going to be the first Polish Heavyweight champion of the world,” said Kownacki during a recent press conference. 

His first step towards that goal will come on March 7th.

Posted on 08/05/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Adam Kownacki came, he saw, but he didn’t quite conquer Chris Arreola.

The undefeated Heavyweight contender headlined his first card at the Barclay Center, in Brooklyn, New York on August 3rd. Kownacki proved to be a fan favorite as more than 8,000 Polish fans came out in full support. Many were expecting a knockout. Instead, they got themselves a historical fight as both Kownacki and Arreola combined to through and land more punches in any other fight according to CompuBox. It was a fight of the year contender for sure.

Kownacki still has eyes set on fighting for a world title, but will need a few more fights before getting put in there with the best in the division. Let’s see who should be next for his bout.

Dominic Breazeale

Dominic Breazeale (20-2, 18 KOs) is coming off a brutal first round knockout at the hands of current WBC champ, Deontay Wilder. It was the kind of knockout that will forever play in the minds of the fans on an endless loop. After a performance such as that one, Breazeale must be chomping at the bit to get back in there.

Kownacki is going to take a well needed break after his war with Chris Arreola, but when these two are both physically ready, a fight between the two should materialize. They are both big punchers and desperately want to jump into title contention. A win for either man can turn one of them into a true contender.

Joe Joyce

The British born Joe Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) is nicknamed the “Juggernaut” for a reason. He is a very big man. If Joyce and Kownacki were to get matched up with one another, Kownacki would be at a three inch height disadvantage as well as a five inch reach disadvantage.

Both men are in similar positions. They are undefeated and steadily climbing up the ranks. They also want the same thing and that is a title shot. Putting these two in the ring against one another seems a bit premature at this point but it would allow one of them to vault the other in the eyes of the public in terms of who is the better young fighter.

Joseph Parker

Losing does not feel great. It’s even worse when it happens back to back. That is exactly what happened to former WBO Heavyweight title holder, Joseph Parker (26-2, 20 KOs). His losses shouldn’t be condemning, as he lost to both Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. Two highly rated fighters.

Still a loss is a loss. Since then, Parker has bounced back with wins over Alexander Flores and Alex Leapai, stopping both men. Parker he seemingly got his grove back. Kownacki wants to be fast tracked to a title. If this is true, then a win against Joseph Parker will provide him with just that.

Posted on 08/04/2019

By Robert Aaron Contreras

As a part of a Brooklyn homecoming show on FOX, Adam Kownacki (20-0, 15 KO) extended his perfect record against the recognizable slugger Chris Arreola (38-6-1, 33 KO), pouring it on over the entire 12 rounds, a punch output apparently unmatched by any heavyweight fight in the CompuBox history.

The judges had it 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111 for Kownacki, who showcased his talent in front of a familiar partisan crowd at the Barclays Center. Competing there for the ninth time, finally on the main stage.

“I thought it was a good fight,” Kownacki told PBC correspondent Heidi Androl. “Close—but I know I pulled it out. Chris is an Aztec Warrior. I gotta keep sharpening my skills. Hopefully next year I get a title shot.”

The fireworks were off from the opening round. Thee proper heavyweight slugfest, Kownacki chugged along, moving forward behind his jab. Arreola was there to fight. The veteran did his best work up close and personal. Neither man’s fists stopped oscillating.

Almost entirely, and in both directions, the punches remained upstairs. Kownacki continually plugged away at one-two combinations. Hardly bending at the waist, he simply slung leather from an upright stance. Still generating power, his crisp blows reminded champion-turned-broadcaster Deontay Wilder of a poor man’s George Foreman.

Arreola had his own assortment of winging punches. But sometime in the the third round he took back the center of the ring only to have his head snapped back from uppercuts. It was that array of creative punching that was hedging the fight in Kownacki’s favor.

But in the fourth frame, Arreola’s best combo—a sloppy jab followed by an awkward, stiff overhand right—did find its target. Between rounds, his trainer Dan Goosen’s implored his fighter to double up on his punches.

Kownacki, however, outworked the older man. He strung together punches from every angle. His one-two began to vary, not always ending in a straight right hand but also the occasional chopping blow. He pelted away at the giant in front of him at a rate that amazed even heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis who was commentating ringside.

The opposing heavyweights mixed it up through the middle stages. And in the ninth round, Kownacki had seemed to make a dent in Arreola, who would drop his hands, and step back in exhaustion (or despair) with every exchange. Up close, Kownacki adjusted and took advantage of Arreola putting his head down, drumming the sides of the Mexican-American’s head.

Pushing 270 pounds, Kownacki had never seen the championship rounds of 11 and 12. So Arreola thought he was out of gas and sat back, willing to catch blows, waiting—one, two three shots bouncing off of him—and then return singular punches of his own.

In the end, Kownacki still delivered more accurate shots, more often. He connected on 35 percent of his total punches, compared to 26 percent for Arreola. Together, Compubox numbers recorded over 2,000 punches between both of them.

Arreola, 38, was still happy with his work. And, as it turned out, his career too.

“I honestly feel like it’s about time,” Arreola said, suggesting his retirement. “I let it hang out. Even after breaking my hand—there was no quitting. I know I cracked him with a few punches. But he kept coming.”

Kownacki, 30, is on an opposite trajectory. Now in prime position for a world title. Saturday marked his second victory of 2019, coupled with a quick knockout in January of Gerald Washington. He ranks in the Top 5 by both the WBC and IBF, making him eligible to fight either one of the world’s beltholders in Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr.

Jean Pascal upsets Marcus Browne for light heavyweight title

Pascal (34-6-1, 20 KO) rolled into Browne’s (23-1, 18 KO) backyard to take away his WBC light heavyweight belt—overcoming +1300 odds—knocking down the champion three times and eventually mauling him in the latter stages of a fight that would come to a screeching halt in the eighth period from a clash of heads.

Browne, dethroned, and blood above his eye, was not in the ring to hear the technical decision: 75-74 across the board for Pascal, who reclaimed championship gold at 36 years old.

“I dropped him three times,” Pascal said after the fight. “Even though it was close, I was winning the fight. We have the best rapper in the game—Drake. We have the NBA championship. And now I’m taking the light heavyweight belt back to Canada.”

Canadian faithful must have been holding their breath through the first three rounds, their man Pascal clearly on the losing end. Browne and his challenger traded power blows in the opening round, but Browne secured a lead, jabbing, and throwing at a higher output.

It was the same routine in the fourth frame. More jolting jabs from Browne before he began sitting down on winging lefts that backed up Pascal. But overconfident, he never saw the right hand Pascal would uncork later in the round that stretched out the champion.

Browne popped up and flashed a wide grin, beating the count, wherein Pascal chased him around with punches to close the inning.

The action picked up in the fifth, highlighted by a handful of phone booth exchanges. But with an adjustment, aiming punches to the midsection, Browne seemed to have stolen back the momentum, nicking the next two rounds.

As Pascal’s output continue to dwindle, Browne racked up more points: extending his right hand and timing a slashing left hook into Pascal leaning over. But lo! another buzzing right hand eventually clipped Browne, dropping him—again.

The champ got up smiling—deja vu setting in. But he was back on the canvas before the end of the seventh from a short exchange along the ropes, his legs unsteady.

Pascal did what he had to in the eighth round, bullying his opponent, chippy shots reigning down from all over. Just enough to snatch the remaining moments of this grudge match.

Eventually, the opposing fighters leaned into one another, a burst of sweat exploded from their colliding foreheads. Referee Gary Rosado immediately called for the ringside physician and the title tilt was over.

There was not word from Browne, who left early to lick his wounds. Tragic happenstance following his last fight, a title winning performance over Badou Jack, who was similarly cut open—cartoonishly gashed across the forehead.

Posted on 08/01/2019

By: Robert Aaron Contreras

On Saturday, August 3, PBC on FOX was due for a tripleheader from the Barclays Centers in Brooklyn, New York where a trio of big names would have carefully matched opponents in front of them.

Now with former welterweight champion Andre Berto out, Adam Kownacki, who takes on Chris Arreola, and light heavyweight beltholder Marcus Browne, fighting Jean Pascal, are bolstering the bill on their own.

The FOX broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET.

Adam Kownacki vs. Chris Arreola

Kownacki is more than familiar with the Barclays Center, having been born in Poland but becoming a man in Brooklyn. He competed there eight times on his way to this pivotal moment, his first headliner on such a grand stage.

And despite no championship belt on the line, his hometown backing puts him and Arreola in the main event.

The 30-year-old Kownacki (19-0, 15 KO) is a banger, always looking to string together chippy punches from every angle. His appearance earned him the nickname Babyface. He has compiled a nice resume, one of B-level talent like Artur Szpilka and a former beltholder in Charles Martin, putting him in line to take a crack at the world level sooner rather than later. In January of this year, he jumped Gerald Washington—again on primetime FOX.

The Polish puncher took out Washington in under four minutes. Quicker work than even Deontay Wilder had with Washington. Kownacki could beat Wilder’s KO mark again if he takes Arreola (38-5-1, 33 KO) out in less than eight rounds.

Arreola, 38, took a lumping from Wilder, who injured his dominate hand, and didn’t make it out of the corner for the ninth period. It was title opportunities like that that make Arreola
arguably Kownacki’s most notable opponent, even if that doesn’t mean the best.

Arreola is back mainstream TV for reasons that are hard to understand outside of simply being a heavyweight. One who used to have a good chin. But one that can punch a little and fights in the same mold as his younger counterpart.

He has never shied away from the spotlight. His is a spotty record since being promoted as possible the man to claim that notional title of first Mexican heavyweight champion before being easily stamped out by Vitali Klitschko. He relied on that heritage and slapdash soundbites to keep him in business and eventually a mainstay with the PBC.

Marcus Browne vs. Jean Pascal
WBA champion Marcus Browne (23-0, 16 KO) is one of a quartet of remarkably talented light heavyweight champions. With Artur Beterbiev scheduled to unify two belts with Gvozdyk, the American of the bunch it could be said is fighting them as much as he is Jean Pascal (33-6-1, 20 KO), to the extent tat as they are all compared against each other for recognition of the true 175-pound kingpin.

Pascal, 36, was once the lineal light heavyweight ruler. That was a decade ago. Still in the Year of Our Lord 2019 this weekend will mark the second consecutive world title challenge for Pascal, of Canada. Despite falling way short against an operator like Dmitry Bivol, the respected former champ has the pull and reputation to remain relevant in the title picture.

Browne, Staten Island’s own, was on big promoter’s wishlist coming out of the London Olympics. He has spent time with Golden Boy Promotions and like many other East Coast talent thriving under Lou DiBella for a stint. Browne’s highlight being a first-round knockout of longstanding gatekeeper Gabriel Campillo

Fighting out of New York, Browne signed with Golden Boy out of the London Olympics. But soon like most east coast fighters, he thrived under Lou Dibella. The highlight being a first-round thumping of longstanding gatekeeper Gabriel Campilloin 2015. But a fickle decision over puncher Radivoje Kalajdzic that left a sour taste in the mouth of fight fans who then became ready to scrutinize Browne as an overhyped prospect. His reoccurring legal trouble were no help.

Browne eventually stomped Thomas Williams Jr. in six rounds as well as the previously undefeated Sean Monagham, also of New York. Now campaigning with Al Haymon’s crew, Browne can boast an incredible win over Badou Jack, a star-making unanimous decision victory.

Still undefeated and untouched, Browne can only hurt himself this weekend. No matter how ferociously he takes out a reputable veteran like Pascal, the Canadian is a shell of his former self—hardly throwing punches these days. The matchup pales in comparison to a delectable unification like Beterbiev-Gvozdyk.

Browne should keep an eye out on the winner.

Posted on 07/31/2019

By: Hans Themistode

The Heavyweights are taking over Brooklyn New York, as both Adam Kownacki (19-0, 15 KOs) and Chris Arreola (38-5-1, 33 KOs) will headline the Barclay Center, this coming Saturday on August 3rd.

With the Heavyweight division now seemingly wide open, this will be perfect opportunity for both men to make a statement. For Kownacki it is especially memorable for him to be headlining a card in his hometown of Brooklyn.

“I feel blessed. I grew up there, I grew up in Brooklyn,” said Kownacki. “It’s a big deal to be the headliner. Having all my friends, all my family, my community being there having my back. It’s very rewarding.”

Kownacki’s story may have a feel good theme to it, but his opponent, Chris Arreola, won’t allow there to be a happy ending.

“I’m looking to knock him out,” said Arreola during a recent media conversation. “He’s a really good fighter but right now he’s in my way. I still have championship goals in my head and I know that if I can beat this guy then I’ll get another crack at a world title.”

For Kownacki, he has placed himself on a specific pathway. Current WBC belt holder Deontay Wilder is who the undefeated Kownacki currently has his eyes set on. Arreola will represent the third opponent that both Kownacki and Wilder have fought in their respective careers.

Kownacki does not want to simply stop Arreola, but he wants to do so in a much more dominant fashion than what Wilder did to him when they matched up in 2016. In that contest Wilder dropped Arreola in the fourth and stopped him in the eighth round.

“I have been with two guys that Deontay Wilder fought with Artur Szpilka and Gerald Washington,” said Kownacki. “It took Wilder ten rounds to knock out Artur Szpilka in a very competitive fight when I just walked right through him. And the same thing with Gerald Washington. I knocked him out in two rounds. My next fight against Chris Arreola, another fight Wilder and I have in common, and I plan to do the same thing, walk right through him. I think if I could beat him in a better fashion than Deontay beat him before, then that’s a good statement!”

A shot at a title would undoubtedly be awaiting the winner of this contest. Kownacki just might be coming into this contest even more motivated than ever. Earlier this week he revealed that he had received a phone call a few months ago to be an opponent for former unified Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua’s U.S. debut. Kownacki turned down the fight. Stating that he was not in shape at that moment.

We all have seen what has happened since then as Andy Ruiz took the opportunity and went on to knock Joshua out in the seventh round. Kownacki does have a few regrets about missing out on his shot, and vows to never allow that to happen again.

“I’m making sure I stay in shape from now on. When I seen Andy Ruiz pull off the upset against Joshua I was just thinking that it should have been me. I only turned down the fight because it was short notice and I was not in shape at that time. I’ll make sure I am ready at all times now.”

With a motivated Kownacki, Arreola seems to be in a world of trouble come fight night. Still, this is a fight he can’t afford to lose. If he does however, come up short against Kownacki, then this will mark the end of his 16 year pro career.

“If I lose this fight, I will retire, plain and simple” said Arreola.

With so much riding on the line, expect this contest to be bombs away from the opening bell.

Posted on 06/19/2019

By: Hans Themistode

On Saturday August 3rd, the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York, will play host to a night of boxing. In the first televised bout of the night, it will be former Light Heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (33-6-1, 20 KOs) against WBA interim Light Heavyweight champion Marcus Browne (23-0, 16 KOs).

Throughout the long and storied career of Pascal he has never ducked a challenge. He is looking to once again challenge for a world title, but now, at age 36, many have wondered if he has anything left in the tank.

“I’ve heard all of the talk of me being washed up, come August 3rd, I’ll show you how washed up I am.” Said Pascal.

His challenger Marcus Browne, conceded to Pascal that he does hold the edge in terms of experience but that won’t matter come fight night.

“He’s a former champion and I respect what he has done in the ring but he’s way past his prime. I’m knocking him out come fight night.”

As for the co main event, there will be no shortage of fireworks. Former two time Welterweight champion Andre Berto (32-5, 24 KOs) will return to the ring after a year off to take on Miguel Cruz (18-1, 12 KOs). For the former champion, he was last seen in the ring winning a close split decision over fellow former champion Devon Alexander. A win over Cruz could vault Berto right back into the title hunt.

“A win over Cruz would be big time for me. It’s all about keeping that momentum. I’m always in the championship mix, so I know a win could mean a title shot is coming pretty soon,” said Berto.

For Cruz the thought of him losing the second bout of his career hasn’t entered his mind. Instead, he believes that his time is now.

“Berto had his run, he’s old now. I need a win like this on my resume. I can’t let this opportunity pass me by.”

The first two fights on this card will bring excitement to the Brooklyn crowd but, the main event is sure to leave everyone on the edge of their seats.

Three time world Heavyweight title changer Chris Arreola (38-5-1, 33 KOs) is pushing all of his chips to the middle of the table. The 38 year old has received multiple cracks at a world title but has fallen short. He’s now hoping that a win over the undefeated Adam Kownacki (19-0, 15 KOs) will lead him to one more shot at gold.

“If I can beat a guy like Kownacki it’ll put me right back in position to challenge for a world title,” said Arreola during his Brooklyn, New York, press conference. “He’s one of the hottest guys in the division right now so if I can beat him then I’ll be in a real good position. This is do or die for me. If I lose this fight then I will retire. He will not beat me come August 3rd.”

To say that Kownacki is on an impressive run would be putting it mildly. He has knocked out five of his past six opponents. Kownacki has a goal in mind. He is slowly but effectively placing himself in position to challenge WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Arreola will be the third opponent that both Wilder and Kownacki have in common. Kownacki has successfully been able to stop his previous two common opponents in, Gerald Washington and Artur Szpilka in faster and more devastating fashion than the current WBC champion. The undefeated contender will look too out due Wilder once again.

“The most important thing is to get the win, but with this being the third opponent that me and Wilder have in common, I’m hoping to knock him out faster than what Wilder did. I know Arreola is tough but I need to make a statement.”

The common theme in all of these matchups are, making a statement. On August 3rd, they will all receive their chance.

Posted on 05/21/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Deontay Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KOs) told every and anyone that would listen, that he would kill Dominic Breazeale. (20-2, 18 KOs). On Saturday night, May 18th 2019 at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York, he nearly did just that. Wilder completely destroyed Breazeale with a devastating right hand in the opening round. Breazeale was out cold before he even touched the canvas. We can all expect to see Wilder back in the ring later this year, but against who?

Keep reading and we’ll give you the best possible opponents.

Luis Ortiz

Outside of his showdown with Tyson Fury, WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has dominated his competition. Never has he looked to be in any real trouble, that was true until he stepped in the ring with Luis Ortiz (31-1, 26 KOs) on March 3rd, 2018. It was a great contest, one that saw Wilder visibly hurt for the first in his career. Ortiz landed several monster shots that had Wilder in serious trouble. Not only was Wilder hurt, but he seemed to be getting outboxed as well. The problem for Ortiz is that he ran into the right hand of Wilder. From there it was goodnight. A rematch between these two would produce great fire works once again. Ortiz is one of the very few boxers in the world that stands a chance against Wilder. Let’s book the rematch as soon as possible.

Adam Kownacki

The Brooklyn born Adam Kownacki (19-0, 15 KOs) has quickly become a fan favorite, and for good reason. His come forward all action style has led to some exciting fights. Although he only has 19 fights, he has picked up some high quality wins including, knockouts of former title challengers Gerald Washington and Artur Szpilka. He also outpointed ex brief belt holder Charles Martin. The time has come for Kownacki to get this shot. Not many has what it takes to be a legitimate threat to Wilder, Kownacki is one of those very few.

Anthony Joshua

Even with Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury batting to a draw in December of 2018, current unified Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (22-0, 21 KOs) is still the man we all want to see face Wilder next. For as great of a fighter that Fury is, he just isn’t a big puncher. A match between Joshua and Wilder would undoubtedly end in a knockout. Both men are considered to be the best in the division. It’s time to end the debate.

Posted on 01/29/2019

By: Hans Themistode

The large footsteps you hear right now are those of Adam Kownacki (19-0, 15 KOs).

This past Saturday night he absolutely steamrolled former title challenger Gerald Washington (19-3-1, 12 KOs) in only two rounds. Few expected Washington to come away with the victory but even fewer expected Kownacki to get by him with such ease. Washington isn’t a title contender but he is someone who has fought some of the best in the division and gave a good account for himself.

In his 2017 bout with current WBC champ Deontay Wilder it took him five rounds to dispatch of Washington. Current Heavyweight contender Jarrell Miller got rid of him in eight. Kownackis performance was much more dominant. Not only is Kownacki looking better and better in every fight but he is also becoming a huge fan favorite.

The undefeated contender is a fighter to keep an eye on. The question is who should he take on next? He isn’t quite ready just yet for a title shot but he’s close.

So who exactly should he take on next to take another step towards landing that title shot he’s calling for? Take a look at who we feel are the next best options for Kownackis next fight.

Joseph Parker

Joseph Parker (25-2, 19 KOs) has fallen on hard times as of late. Just as recent as last year he was the undefeated WBO champion. Fast forward one year later and he no longer carries around that title nor does he sport that undefeated record. Back to back losses to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte is nothing to be ashamed of but he needs a win over a good opponent.

Adam Kownacki has fought decent competition up to this point in his career but none come close to the calibre of Parker. Not only does he have good boxing ability and more than respectable power but he showed in both his fights against Joshua and Whyte that you’ll need to hit him with a Mack truck in order to put him down and out.

In short, Kownacki won’t find an easy opponent in Parker. Both of these guys need each other at this point in their careers. A win for either guy can vault them to the next in line for a title shot.

Alexander Povetkin

Sure Alexander Povetkin (34-2, 24 KOs) was knocked out in his last bout when he challenged current unified champion Anthony Joshua but he is still one of the very best in the Heavyweight division. Even with Povetkin getting a bit long in the tooth at age 39 he can still cause major problems for Kownacki if they ever found themselves matched up.

Povetkin has only lost to some of the very best in Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko. If Kownacki not only scored a victory over Povetkin but did so in devastating fashion that would present him with the biggest win in his career.

Luis Ortiz

If Kownacki truly wants to show that he should be mentioned as a serious title threat than a matchup with Luis Ortiz (30-1, 26 KOs) is what he should be aiming for. Ortiz lone blemish on his record came via tenth round stoppage at the hands of WBC champion Deontay Wilder. In that fight Ortiz gave Wilder all he can handle, proving that not only is he a great boxer but that he is also one helluva puncher as he had Wilder seriously hurt several times throughout the contest.

A win over Ortiz will grab the attention of everyone in the division. Kownacki has been able to mow down his competition thus far. Ortiz on the other hand would be a completely different story. If Kownacki wants to be next in line for a title shot than a win over Ortiz can provide him with just that.

Posted on 01/13/2019

By: Sean Crose

In the summer of 2017, at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, Brooklyn – by way of Poland – native Adam Kownacki met with fellow heavyweight Artur Szpilka in a scheduled 10 round affair. Szpilka, who had just battled WBC powerhouse Deontay Wilder, didn’t make it past the fourth round. Fast forward to last summer at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn. On his home turf, Kownacki stepped in the ring to face former IBF heavyweight champ Charles Martin. That fight went to the cards, but it was Kownacki who walked away with the UD win.

Now Kownacki, 18-0, is set to face well known heavyweight contender Gerald Washington, 19-2-1, on the undercard of the Keith Thurman – Josesito Lopez fight on January 26th. Kownacki, who fights with Al Haymon’s PBC, will once again be fighting at Barclay’s. “I love it, you know,” he says about fighting on his home turf once again. Kownacki also enjoys being apart of PBC. “It’s great,” he says. “I’ve been with Al and PBC for five years.” To Kownacki, there’s obvious benefits to being part of the same stable as Wilder, Thurman, and many others, “especially with exposure.”

As a young man, Kownacki first got the boxing bug watching fellow Pole Andrew Golata. “Watching him really drove me to boxing,” he says. There were no boxing gyms near Kownacki’s home, but “there was a gym in Astoria, Queens.” After building a solid foundation, it was on to (the famous Brooklyn gym) Gleasons, (and) winning the Golden Gloves.” The rest, as they say, is history. Still, the man is willing to give credit to those around him. “I’ve got a really good team behind me,” he says, adding that right now he wants his career to continue along “the best route available.”

And now the route is leading him to the tall and formidable Washington. “Camp is going great,” says Kownacki, who says he is “working on doubling, tripling the jab.” Kownacki also claims he’s been having “great sparring” in the leadup to the Washington fight. Although, with 14 out of his 18 wins coming by knockout, he can be viewed as a power puncher, Kownacki views things realistically. “You’ve got to keep winning,” he says. “Of course you want to get the knockout.” Still, “the win is most important.” Not that Kownacki is ever going to be primarily a defensive minded fighter.

“I always comes forward,” he says. That strategy has proven to be good for Kownacki…and good for fans of exciting fights, as well.