WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames put in a domineering performance over Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams in Orlando this past weekend, laying claim to a weight class that is lacking some big drama show.
Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs) was the more clinical fighter, dropping Williams in the second, while also frustrating the American to see him docked a point in the final round for low blows. There was little variation in the scorecards; 117-109, 117-109 and 118-108 saw the champion score a relatively easy victory.
“I said it before the fight, destroy and demolish, and that’s exactly what I did,” Adames said in a statement sent to Boxing Social. “I didn’t just win, I sent a message to the entire middleweight division.
“When I sent him down in the second round, I knew the fight was mine. From that moment on, it was about discipline, breaking him down round by round and showing the world my level.”
The 31-year-old from the Dominican Republic went into his second title defence with Williams following a frustrating split decision draw with Hamzah Sheeraz last year. One judge gave Adames the nod, with a score of 118-110, while the other two judges scored 114-115 and 114-114. Adames was largely considered unfortunate in a fight described by various media outlets as “controversial”.
“Thirteen months away didn’t slow me down,” Adames added. “It made me sharper and more dangerous,” said Adames. “I came back with something to prove, and I proved it in dominant fashion. I truly believe I’m the best middleweight in the world right now. Anyone with a belt, anyone with a name, I’m ready. If you’re at 160 and you think you’re the best, even anyone at 168 pounds, come see me. I’m taking over.
The middleweight division has been rocked by the news that unified IBF and WBO champion Janibek Alimkhanuly had failed a performance enhancing drug test, leading to the IBF stripping him of his belt. The Kazakh still holds the WBO title, but if they follow the lead of the IBF, it will leave the division with just two champions. Erislandy Lara is the current WBA champion, while Jesus Ramos is the WBC interim belt holder.