Big-punching Carlos Adames will put it all on the line against former unified junior middleweight titlist Julian Williams on Saturday at the Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Adames, The Ring’s No. 3 rated middleweight, intends to throw down a marker to the 160-pound division that currently doesn’t have a clear No. 1.
“It’s going to be a tough fight but I’m confident I will come out victorious,” Adames (22-1, 17 knockouts) told The Ring. “I think my youth and strength will be the key factors in this fight. I don’t think this fight will go the distance.
“This will be my first main event on Showtime and it’s a testament of all the hard work I’ve put in over the past few years. My goal is to win this fight by knockout and earn my spot as one of the top fighters on the network.”
The 29-year-old Dominican Republic-born fighter impressively stopped Juan Macias Montiel (KO 3) last October to pick up an interim title (not recognized by The Ring). Full champion Jermall Charlo has been battling personal issues and hasn’t fought in two years. Macias Montiel had previously taken Charlo 12-rounds.
In lieu of Charlo not fighting, Adames impressively bashed up the Mexican. There is still no sign of that fight materializing, so Adames is trying to stay active.
“I felt strong going into that fight and I feel the same going into this fight,” he explained. “I’m eager to get back in the ring after being away for a few months. I can’t wait to let my hands go.
“I’m not sure exactly how the Charlo situation will play out. I’ve been waiting patiently for him to step up and fight me. All I can do is keep winning and the fight will come, he will have to fight me at some point. It will be an explosive, entertaining fight for the fans and I’m going to take him out.”
Adames, who has been training in Las Vegas under the watchful eye of Bob Santos, wants face Charlo, it’s not his only target.
“If there was an opportunity to fight back home that would be incredible,” he said. “I know the Dominican Republic fans would love to see me fight there. Hopefully that will happen one day.”
Santos, the 2022 Ring Trainer of the Year, believes his fighter can go out and make a real impression against Williams but is also warning against complacency given opponent’s pedigree.
“We’re expecting a hard fight and we’re prepared for 12-rounds,” said Santos. “Obviously, he’s a guy who unified the titles, has a lot of experience and we’re expecting the best version of him because he knows this might be one of his last bites at the big apple.
“Look at Teófimo López his fight before this last one everybody said he was done. I didn’t expect him to do what he did [against Josh Taylor] that’s why you gotta leave no stone unturned and be prepared and we are. We’re gonna be coming out to make a huge statement that not only is Carlos the champion, he’s the best in the division. He’s gonna pass the eye-test and everybody can see he can do it all. He’s a pound for pound fighter.”
Williams (28-3-1, 16 KOs) headed into his first world title fight against Jermall Charlo in good shape but was stopped in five rounds. The tough Philadelphia native bounced back well with four wins to reposition himself for another shot and upset unified titleholder Jarrett Hurd (UD 12).
However, the upset vibe was contagious and “J-Rock” dropped the titles to Jeison Rosario in his first defense. Williams decided against enforcing a contractually obligated rematch and was upset by unheralded Vladimir Hernandez (SD 10) in his return. The now 33-year-old took off a year and got back in the win column beating Rolando Mansilla (UD 8) last November.
Adames is in the form of his life and will be expected to be too big and strong for Williams. However, if Williams can get through the early onslaught, he could begin to trouble the aggressive puncher with his ring generalship.
Adames-Williams, plus supporting undercard, will be broadcast on Showtime, beginning at 9 p.m ET/ 6 p.m PT.
ALSO ON RINGTV:
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected].
_1660719734.jpg)
