Adam Kownacki expects to get it right against Ali Eren Demirezen
Adam Kownacki hopes to get back to winning on July 30.
That’s when the former heavyweight contender faces Ali Eren Demirezen at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, where the Polish-born fighter grew up (Showtime).
Kownacki (20-2, 15 KOs) was undefeated and apparently heading toward a shot at a world title when he ran into a 6-foot-6 brick wall named Robert Helenius, who stopped Kownacki in back-to-back fights in 2020 and last year.
Kownacki’s aggressive style, which had served him well, exposed him to undue risks that the big-punching Helenius took advantage of. He said fans will see a better fighter in a few weeks.
“I just have had to work on my footwork and keeping my hands up,” he said. “I have to be smart. One shot can change everything. It was some bad luck getting caught in each fight. I tried to make the best out of it and leave everything in the ring. It was a life lesson.
“I’m coming back stronger. I’ve been sparring with no issues to the broken orbital bone. I’m feeling great and I can’t wait to return.”
Kownacki, 33, is still young enough to rebuild. And his name still carries some weight, which could help him get another big fight soon.
However, the last thing he can afford is another setback. That’s why his focus is on Demirezen (16-1, 12 KOs), a 2016 Turkish-German Olympian with some power and good size. He’s 6-foot-3, around 260 pounds.
He stopped Gerald Washington in January and followed that by outpointing Kevin Johnson in May.
“I want to be active again,” Kownacki said. “I’m focused on this win, and then we can talk about getting back in the ring early next year. It’s tunnel-vision on July 30. Right now I’m just focused on Demirezen. That’s the man in front of me. I have to tear down that wall that’s in front of me. That’s all I’m focused on.
“I’m facing a strong Olympian who’s got good size, so I’m expecting a great fight. It’s going to be a good test for me, but I’m looking to ace it and move on to better things.”