Adam Kownacki is focused on his next fight against former title challenger Chris Arreola, but plans to use the fight to send a message to WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
In a press conference to kick off the buildup to his against Arreola in New York, Kownacki spoke about wanting to knock his upcoming foe out faster than Wilder did when they fought years ago. Wilder stopped Kownacki after eight rounds in a WBC heavyweight title bout that took place in Alabama back in 2016. It had been rumored for months that Kownacki, ranked No. 5 by the WBC at heavyweight. could eventually be in line for a future title shot at Wilder's title, though that has yet to be officially confirmed.
"This is the third fighter I've had in common with Deontay Wilder. I knocked out Artur Szpilka and Gerald Washington faster than he did, and I'm looking to do the same August 3," Kownacki said.
As far as what his fight against Arreola would look like, Kownacki believes the two fighters' styles could potentially make for a "Fight of the Year" candidate.
"Chris Arreola and I are going to put on the Fight of the Year. We're going to show that the big guys can really fight. The heavyweight division is hot right now and this is going to add to it. With our styles being guys who come forward, it doesn't get better as a boxing fan," Kownacki said.
Kownacki vs. Arreola will headline a PBC on Fox card from the Barclays Center on August 3. The card will also feature Andre Berto taking on Miguel Cruz and Marcus Browne defending his interim WBA light heavyweight title against Jean Pascal.
