New York Boxing: Adam Kownacki and Polish Boxers – Pt 2

Part 2

On June 25th 2016, HBO boxing brings us another PBC mega showdown between two Welterweight superstars, Keith “One Time” Thurman and Shawn “Showtime” Porter. This fight will determine whose “time” it truly is, the direction of the welterweight division, as well as which fighter is the new lineal Welterweight champ after the abdication of that throne by the great Floyd Mayweather. This fight could also introduce the new pound for pound champion and top box office draw if it turns out to be as exciting as boxing purists expect.

Keith Thurman has been the heir apparent for the Welterweight throne for some time, but due to the depth of the division and some questionable performance by Thurman, his burgeoning popularity has plateaued. Most boxing fans are interested in this matchup but it has received a lukewarm reception from the general sporting public. But perhaps, here lies the intrigue, as Thurman did not look unstoppable in his last couple of outings, and his opponent will be none other than Shawn Porter, whose calling card of late has been his habit of derailing up-and-coming talent such as Devin Alexander and most recently the notorious Adrien “The Problem” Broner. Porter himself was derailed by the highly regarded but less popular Englishman Kell Brook, who very well could be the true top guy in the division, but Kell Brook is presently stymied by his non-American, non cross-over pedigree and the fact that he does not generate enough money or interest on his own for fighters to risk fighting him.

Perhaps the deficits in these main event fighters and the importance of this crossroads fight will cause the fighters themselves to create a highly competitive slugfest that could vie for fight of the year. Or, in the alternative, perhaps the stage is truly set for the “Show” to be stolen by the Heavyweight clash that features New York’s own Adam “Baby Face” Kownacki, who faces Jesse Barboza. Barboza is 29 years old and is a 6’2” heavyweight, weighing about 240 lbs, from Hyannis, Massachusetts. He has an 11-1-1 record with half of his wins coming by way of knockout.

From a technical standpoint Barboza blades his body well, and he tucks his chin behind his lead shoulder. He uses his jab well to set up combinations, marching forward popping the jab up and down either to set up his sweeping right hand or sweeping left hook. Barboza has good power when he turns his punches over, as he is a boxer-puncher. His deficiencies are that he often ducks or jumps back on defense, taking advantage of his reach, and does not use enough body motion or footwork to regain the initiative. He just plows back in to regain the offensive.

Adam Kownacki is the “six P’s” – a Polish Power Puncher Possessing Paralyzing Pressure. Although not exhibiting the phenomenal speed of Mike Tyson, he has the relentlessness of a Tyson or a Marciano. He is somewhat like Ruslan Provodnikov but with better forward pressure and better decision-making in the pocket. Keen instincts in the pocket (much like super exciting Orlando Salido) cannot be taught – you have it or you don’t, and Kownacki has it. Like an avalanche, he keeps coming and coming and coming. Styles makes fights, as they say, and here it takes a superior defensive technician to keep Kownacki’s boxing style of fighter at bay. Barboza’s choice in defense does not match well here. Barboza looks best against opponents he can pressure coming forward with his varied punching choices and angles. He has not shown the ability defensively to handle this kind of forward pressure, at least not yet.

On June 25th watch Polish powerhouse Adam Kownacki, on one of the biggest stages of his career, bring back “Mexican Style boxing” to the Barclays Center. Adam Kownacki is poised to have a coming out party and perhaps steal the spotlight from the main event fighters. Kownacki brings great pressure, punches in bunches, relentless attack, and keen instincts in the exchanges that could prove to be the fight of the night and perhaps performance of the year. Tune in.

Check out Adam’s training highlight below:

Writer: Adrian Anthony

Editor: Kyle Antonelli

Video/Edit: Sophia Laurelli