LAS VEGAS – Carlos Adames’ only mishap in the ring came against a crafty boxer, so as he heads into his first defense of the WBC middleweight title on Saturday night, he takes on another complicated challenge.
In Terrell Gausha, 36, of Southern California, Adames has a veteran who knocked down Tim Tszyu, tied with Austin Trout and should want to stay tough.
Adames, 30, was promoted to full champion last month following the arrest of inactive and troubled former champion Jermall Charlo following a car crash and Charlo’s arrest in Texas.
While Gausha (24-3-1, 12 KO) does not strike fear among the division’s fighters, it is worth noting that Adames’ only loss was in 2019 to complicated southpaw and former WBO 154-pound champion Patrick Teixeira, who faded and was dominated in Saturday after losing the MSG Theater main event to Xander Zayas.
“It wasn’t the cunning warrior who got me in trouble. It was just that I wasn’t experienced enough to be as mentally prepared as I was today,” Adames told BoxingScene on Thursday following the press conference for the Prime Video payment card on Saturday evening, headed by Gervonta “Tank” Davis-Frank. Fight for Martin’s WBA lightweight title.
“Right now I am as fit physically and mentally as I have ever been. Nobody will stop me.”
Adames engaged in social media banter with two-division middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (15-0, 10 KO), who is both a powerful and talented boxer.
Alimkhanuly will defend the WBO and IBF middleweight belts on July 13 in Las Vegas against Andrei Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KO).
Why didn’t all their conversation result in a fight?
“It was just a matter of the deal not happening, so it’s a great fight in the long run,” said Adames (23-1, 18 KO).
Part of it may be the ancient way of doing business in boxing.
Premier Boxing Champions, which includes Adames, also say veteran WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara is likely looking forward to a fall date with top Phoenix fighter Elijah Garcia, who also fights at Saturday’s event.
“The plan is to win the title (against Larie) and then go home and defend it,” Garcia’s father, George Garcia, said Thursday.
Said Adames: “Janibek may be a huge challenge for me, but at the same time, put them up, arrange them, I will fight anyone.”
First comes the thrill of being able to show your development as a fighter and win a belt in the ring.
“I’m excited to show everyone that beating me won’t be basic,” Adames said. “It’s a showcase for me and my title, and a warning to everyone else to take notice.”