Adam Kownacki Offers No Excuses after Shocking Loss
In in the main event of PBC on FOX’s March 7 telecast, Adam “Babyface” Kownacki (20-1, 15 KO’s) took on Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius (30-3, 19 KO’s). Ahead of the fight, it was widely believed that Kownacki, known for his fan-friendly come-forward style, would cut right through Helenius. And truth be known, this was the road that the bout seemed to be heading down.
UNEXPECTED SETBACK
By the third round, Babyface had found his rhythm and range and was bearing down on a very uncomfortable looking Helenius. Then, out of nowhere, the Nordic Nightmare nailed Kownacki with a deflating right-hand while the Polish fighter himself was punching. The unexpected shot briefly put Babyface on the canvas, although it was wrongly ruled to be a slip.
Regardless of the missed call, Kownacki was back on the canvas seconds later and this time it was correctly ruled a knock down. After peeling himself off the ground for a second time, Kownacki was battered to the ropes where referee David Fields jumped in to stop the onslaught.
KOWNACKI TAKES IT ON THE CHIN DURING AND AFTER FIGHT
When discussing the first professional loss of his career, Kownacki was in good spirits and offered no excuses for why he came up short.
“So yea, I got caught with a good left-hand, it did some damage and then after that he charged at me like a bull. He did what I usually do!”
“…the referee’s have our best interest, but I want to fight of course, I want to go down swinging. I got caught with a good shot, the ref saw I was in troubl,e he did what was best for me…it’s a learning lesson, I’m still young, I’m still beautiful so I’ll be back!”
“…there is no rematch clause but hopefully we can make it again. I don’t want to go out like this, it’s a learning experience right? Its sports, it sucks but it comes with the territory.”
As this is a huge blow to his career and upward momentum, it will be interesting to see what move Kownacki makes next.
By: Bakari Simpson
