Robert Helenius Shocks The World with Upset over Adam Kownacki

A boisterous, predominantly-Polish crowd of 8,811 were on hand at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center to witness the return of kinsman and fellow BK native Adam “Babyface” Kownacki.

However, what was supposed to yet another happy homecoming for the undefeated, high-ranked heavyweight contender turned into a nightmare at the hands of the “Nordic Nightmare,” Robert Helenius. Helenius scored a major upset, stopping Kownacki at 1:08 of the fourth in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night.

The shocking end seemingly came out of nowhere. Kownacki was busier for the first three rounds, digging to Helenius’ body with effect. Two-way action in the second brought the crowd to their feet but it was Kownacki who appeared to land the bigger blows.

All of that changed in the fourth. Kownacki charged ahead as always, driving Helenius to the ropes with a series of shots. But Helenius bounced off those ropes with a right hand flush on the jaw. Kownacki dropped to a knee, rising on wobbly legs. Referee David Fields ruled it a slip.

Kownacki hadn’t recovered when action resumed. Helenius pounced, wailing away until a straight right followed by a left hook dropped Kownacki a second time. Again, he made it to his feet on stiff legs. Helenius followed up, until Fields waved it off.

Helenius is now in line for a world title as this was a WBA heavyweight title eliminator.

“I want to thank everyone who gave me this opportunity,” said a jubilant Helenius afterward. “Kownack is a tough fighter. I worked hard in training camp and it paid off. I knew that I hit him hard and I knew I just had to continue. I knew he was still hurt after that punch.

“He just kept coming and coming. He’s a good fighter I have to give it to him. My strength is to punch back when people come at me. It was a good fight and a tremendous opportunity for me to be here.”

A disappointed Kownacki left the ring to cheers from the crowd. “It wasn’t my night,” he said. “It’s boxing. It’s a tough sport and things just didn’t go my way tonight. It was a learning experience and I’m going to go back to the drawing board and get back to work.

“He hit me with a good shot. I knew what was going on, but I’m just upset with myself. It is what it is.”

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