Helenius, Kownacki Recap Barclays Center Clash

In front of 8,811 fans inside the Barclays Center, Robert Helenius took down Robert Kownacki via TKO in the fourth round. The fans of the Polish fighter were shocked, while Helenius, as cool as he can be, ignored the noise and focused at the fight at hand.

Helenius (30-3) knocked down Kownacki (20-1) in the fourth. He gained momentum during the second, going shot-for-shot with Kownacki, who is known as a knockout artist. He is happy to get the win and represent Finland and the Nordic region. “The Nordic Nightmare” hopes everyone back home watching on FIGHT SPORTS MAX will enjoy the contest.

Helenius was a man of his word when he said he would counter-punch Kownacki and stick and move around the ring. Thanking his trainer Johan Lindstrom, Helenius realized Kownacki was hurt, and he himself didn’t feel any damage during the fight. Helenius’ most telling quote from the FIGHT SPORTS exclusive came to fruition:

“Kownacki has never lost, so this is going to be a new experience for him.”

Kownacki lost for the first time since 2009. After going 9-0 in the Barclays Center, he lost in his second main event spot in the building. He slipped in the bout, and admitted that Helenius beat him at his own game. While he held him in the clinch, Kownacki believes he could have done more. He was hoping for a rematch with Helenius sometime down the line. This was not the end of Kownacki, however, as he stated it is time to head back to the drawing board.

What is next for both fighters? Helenius went on to say he needs a break from training and fighting. He fought three times between July 2019 and now. While he won a WBA Heavyweight Title Eliminator bout, Anthony Joshua will be busy with Kubrat Pulev and the winner of Wilder-Fury III. If a rematch were to take place, Helenius was interested in it taking place in Finland.

Kownacki will decide what his next move is. Premier Boxing Champions was gambling on a Kownacki win, and now they must see how he can come back from the fight.

Main Card (8 p.m. ET, FOX)

Robert Helenius def. Robert Kownacki via TKO (1:08 into round four) – WBA Heavyweight Title Eliminator

Efe Ajagba def. Razvan Cojanu via TKO (2:46 into round nine)

Frank Sanchez def. Joey Dawejko via unanimous decision (98-92, 100-90, 100-90)- NABO Heavyweight Championship

Prelims (5:45 p.m. ET) 

Zachary Ochoa def. Angel Sarinana via unanimous decision (77-73, 77-73, 76-74)

Aronold Gonzalez def. Traye Labby via TKO (2:07 into round three)

Francis Hogan def. Brent Oren via KO (2:11 into the fourth)