Kownacki Beats Arreola In A Slugfest

The past few months have given boxing fans a lot to be happy about. There’s also been plenty to cry about. Thanks to Adam Kownacki and Chris Arreola, fans were able to cry tears of joy. In a true battle between two gladiators, Kownacki defeated Arreola via unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111, 117-111).

Inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, Kownacki (20-0) proved to the world he is a true heavyweight boxing contender thanks to his brutal shots. Not one to be outdone, Arreola (38-6-1, 2 NC) had a classic performance of his own. Both fighters landed over 1,000 shots, a heavyweight record. Kownacki landed 369 to Arreola’s 298.

“These guys are literally playing Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots around here.”

Kownacki-Arreola turning into the battle of the better chins! pic.twitter.com/Bf3ln25ttl

— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) August 4, 2019

The action was hot and heavy from the get-go, with Kownacki and Arreola hitting shot after shot against one another. Kownacki appeared to have the true advantage, however, as he was stalking Arreola against the ropes. From the first and second round, it was a fight full of body and headshots. It was really just a game of one-upmanship, as both were going at a pace unseen before for men their size.

Throughout the bout, Kownacki was drawing Arreola back, but the latter did not give up. His bouts against the likes of Deontay Wilder, Bermane Stiverne and Vitali Klitschko prepared him for this fight. Unfortunately, the fights did not prepare him for a hand injury he seemed to have suffered in round five. Not being able to land the big punches, Arreola was still able to land heavy shots to Kownacki, who would not stop.

After a plethora of uppercuts and stiff shots, the fight was called, with both fighters exhausted. It was a fight to remember and one both hope they never have again. Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder, who was on commentary throughout the PBC broadcast, was very impressed with the action.

After the bout, Arreola discussed his future. 2-1-1 with one no-contest heading into the fight, Arreola was on a two-fight win streak. He stated he would consider retirement if he lost. Now, Arreola is unsure, as he stated he would think about his future with his family. Arreola believes it is time but is willing to give it a thought.

Is this the last time we see Arreola?@HeidiAndrol catches up with Chris Arreola following loss to Kownacki. pic.twitter.com/OmMdMYeqW1

— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) August 4, 2019

In the co-main event, Jean Pascal defeated Marcus Browne via referee stoppage following an accidental headbutt busted Browne open in the eighth round. Prior to that, Browne was dropped three times. Although Browne landed more shots, the judges ended up giving the unanimous decision win (75-74, 75-74, 75-74) to Pascal, allowing him to become the interim WBA Light Heavyweight Champion.

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

Adam Kownacki def. Chris Arreola via unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111, 117-111)

Jean Pascal def. Marcus Browne via stoppage/unanimous decision (75-74, 75-74, 75-74) (1:49 into round eight) – interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title

Wale Omotoso def. Curtis Stevens via TKO (1:28 into round three)

The final scores – 118-110 and 117-111 on the other two cards, all for Kownacki – did not reflect the sacrifice that both made to entertain the public. The two fighters set a new Compubox record for most punches thrown (2172) and landed (667) in a heavyweight fight that they had tracked.

The win keeps Kownacki (20-0, 15 knockouts) undefeated and on track for a heavyweight title opportunity. The thousands of Polish fans wearing red and white among the announced crowd of 8,790 proved that Kownacki had the drawing power to remain on top of the bill after his first main event.

The two fought the only way they knew, trading bombs from the opening bell. Kownacki, the heavier man by 22 pounds at 266 (a career high) came forward behind a heavy jab and right hand, mixing in body punches and uppercuts. Arreola, himself an all-out aggressor, showed he had a bit more verstality