Ali Eren Demirezen Overcomes Adam Kownacki to Keep Title Dreams Alive
In a pivotal heavyweight bout, Adam “Babyface” Kownacki (20-3, 15KOs) took on number ten ranked WBO contender Ali Eren Demirezen (17-1, 12KOs).
This matchup was significant due to the fact that Babyface was seeking to rebound from consecutive losses to Robert Helenius. Prior to his two defeats, he was ranked in the top five by the WBA, IBF, and WBO, and number six by the WBC. However, now he sits unranked with a world title opportunity far out of his reach.
On the flip side, Demirezen is a ranked contender with the same dreams and aspirations as Kownacki of fighting for a world title. The Turkish fighter brought a four-fight win streak into this bout, having stopped former world title challenger Gerald Washington in eight rounds in his last fight. The sole loss of his career came against Efe Ajagba back in 2019.
HEAVY HANDS FLYING!
With neither fighter known for their tremendous skillset, both guys immediately started letting their hands go in round one. It was primarily Kownacki, who threw over one hundred punches in round one, who carried the action in the first couple of rounds. However, the pace would slow for Babyface as he elected to conserve some energy and box. He would flick out his left jab while slipping occasional shots from Demirezen.
This would play in the favor of Demirezen as he would pick up his activity and start to land some hard right hooks to the head of the Polish big man. As the fight continued, Demirezen started to pull away while appearing to be the fresher man. His punches consistently rocked the head of Kownacki back.
After getting out-hustled and out-fought in the middle rounds, Kownacki would show a surge of energy and a sense of urgency. He began letting his hands go as he did in the first couple of rounds. His body attack in rounds seven and eight was very impressive. However, Demirezen would close the fight in exciting fashion as a big right hand hurt and pushed back Kownacki in the tenth and final round.
After the conclusion of ten rounds, the judges would announce Ali Eren Demirezen as the winner by way of unanimous decision. The scores were 96-94, 97-93 twice. For Demirezen, this win will further push him towards a title fight as well as marquee matchups in the future.
As for the 33-year-old Kownacki, he really has to take a hard look at himself in the mirror and ask whether or not he should retire.
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By: Jerrell Fletcher
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