Helenius Believes Kownacki Doesn’t Want A Rematch
In what feels like a lifetime ago, Robert Helenius scored an upset-win over Adam Kownacki inside the Barclays Center. As a result, Helenius became the mandatory challenger for the WBA Heavyweight Title. Following the bout, Helenius discussed taking a long break to recover and reflect on the moment.
A the end of the fight, it was discovered there was no mandatory rematch within the contract of the bout. Helenius (30-3) would give Kownacki (20-1) a rematch, but “The Nordic Nightmare” doesn’t believe the Polish fighter would want to take it. Speaking to Boxing Scene, Helenius doubts any reason for Kownacki to actually challenge him again.
“I don’t know why he would want to fight me again after what I did to him,” Helenius stated. “He may say that he wants to fight me again, but deep inside, I don’t think so.”
During his fight with Kownacki, Helenius gave it his all in the second to actually make it competitive. He started tagging Kownacki in the third, and in the fourth round he knocked Kownacki to the floor. Kownacki claims it was a slip, but a replay can see he was brought down. A barrage of punches later and the referee called the fight off. Helenius ended up saying he would work past the style of Kownacki, who uses too much volume in his bouts.
Kownacki, who was the -3060 favorite, was calm in a loss. He did, however, lose a chance at a title shot that many expected him to take with ease. It was his second main event spot inside the Barclays Center, a place he has called home for years.
“It’s a new experience for him,” Helenius went on to say. “He had never lost. I’ve been there, on the losing side, as well. So, I know it’s a hard feeling to come out of and continue doing what you do.”
Helenius lost to Johann Duhaupas after 22 straight wins to start his career. He then faced an increase in competition and lost to Dillian Whyte for the WBC Silver Heavyweight Title in 2017. The 36-year-old ended up winning three in a row before facing Gerald Washington this past July. One mistake costed him, as he lost via KO in the eighth. Washington ended up losing to Charles Martin in an IBF Heavyweight Title eliminator bout.
Due to the coronavirus, it is unknown when Helenius or Kownacki will fight again. For now, Helenius will stay focused on bettering himself in Finland and waiting for his moment to shine. With a potential Andy Ruiz Jr. bout in play to go along with Anthony Joshua, Helenius is ready for all comers.