I have voted for 'don't know'. Helenius has been an enigma, he should beat Kownacki day in day out but he's so inconsistent and his output never matches his talent.
The Nordic Nightmare should ko Kownacki again, as it is doubtful that Adam will have made any adjustments. The wilcard is not knowing which Helenius shows up... the prepared and focused one or the lethargic one.
Helenius is a counter puncher(Kownackis come forward almost zero defense style plays right into this), the better boxer and has a clear win in the previous fight. Kownackis only clear advantage going into this fight in conditioning, if he gets Helenius into the 2nd half then things could get interesting. Old habits die hard though, so I think Kownacki will be there to be hit again, which will probably lead to a very similar end result.
Kownacki was nailing him when he got wild and sloppy against Helenius and got tagged. I look for him to be more measured and take a decision . The X factor is who shows up in the best condition,,,that is truly an unknown with these two.
I'm wondering if the loss will impact Kownackis confidence. His style is so reliant on his ability to take whatever was thrown at him, with Helenius he found and opponent who's best punches he couldn't absorb. It's heavyweight boxing and anything can happen, but Kownacki doesn't seem like the type who could make a lot of improvements in one fight. I think his best bet is to survive the early going and look to pour it on in the mid-late rounds when Helenius tends to tire. Not seeing a stoppage in this one though, regardless of which way it goes.
Kownacki by Stoppage, I just think he was a bit lazy as he thought it an easy fight. (Lennox vs Rahman) overconfidence.
I have a funny feeling that if this was a 10 round fight Kownacki would win a decision. The pace would be slower and both would be patient and Helenius would lose interest. I think because this is a 12 round fight the pace is going to be more intense. I think because neither on believes they can last 12. The out come is in Helenius’ hands, he can win if he wants. He can be lackluster at times. I say either Helenius punches out Kownacki or Kownacki punches himself out. I say TKO in 7-9 Helenius wins. However this is a fighter that was Ko’d by Washington and Duhaupas. What Helenius will show up???
Adam isn't the kind of fighter who can make adjustments and he did better than he really ought to have the first time. He wasn't doing bad before he got pole-axed but Helenius is way to big and strong for him.
