Journeyman Helenius scores upset over unbeaten Kownacki

In just his second fight in the United States, the Nordic Nightmare now has a notable feat to add to his journey.

Finland's Robert Helenius stunned the previously undefeated Adam Kownacki with a powerful fourth round barrage Saturday night. Helenius stopped Kownacki in a WBA heavyweight title eliminator at the Barclays Center.

The 35-year-old journeyman held his own as he hurt Kownacki just after the Polish heavyweight had slipped to the canvas. It was difficult to tell though as Helenius still landed a good right hand.

''I knew that I hit him hard and I knew I just had to continue,'' Helenius said. ''I knew he was still hurt after that punch.''

 Helenius upsets Kownacki

Kownacki never recovered after the massive right by Helenius. The 8,811 in attendance at Barclays Center witnessed the stunning upset in a match with huge implications

The man nicknamed as "Babyface" never recovered as he struggled to defended himself against the Helenius' onslaught of punches. Referee David Fields put a stop to the contest at 1:08 of the fourth round. 

Unfortunately, Kownacki was ahead on all three judges' scorecards before the stunner.

Helenius described what he went through in the earlier rounds. "He just kept coming and coming," he said. 

"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," Helenius added.

Major setback for Kownacki

The sets back the 30-year-old Kownacki, who could have been owed a title fight had he beaten Helenius. It's a major setback considering he was supposed to get Anthony Joshua next.

Kownacki falls to 20-1 with the loss while Helenius climbs up to 30-3 after Saturday night.


Will Kownacki be able to climb back up into title contention? Will Helenius be able to score another upset when he fights for the title? Send in your predictions.

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