Why Adames-Williams Isn’t the Middleweight Title Fight Fans Expected

Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams will challenge Carlos Adames for his WBC middleweight title on January 31 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Why This Fight Was Made

The Matchroom-promoted ‘Ammo’ Williams has compiled a three-fight winning streak to be given the title shot against Adames after being knocked out in the 11th round by Hamzah Sheeraz in June 2024.

The Adames-Williams fight would make more sense if Ammo had beaten some solid fighters since losing to Sheeraz. Instead, Williams was given three confidence boosters to get back to his winning ways, but none were good enough to show whether he’s capable of stepping up against top-level opposition again.

Adames, 31, has been on the sidelines since fighting to a controversial 12-round split draw against Hamzah Sheeraz on February 22, 2025. A lot of people thought Carlos deserved the win in that fight, but the judges scored it as a draw.

The Contenders Still Waiting

Fans were hoping to see the unbeaten #2 WBC contender Yoenli Hernandez be given a title shot against Adames. Many people view the Cuba-born Yoenli as a future world champion, and possibly the next star in the 160-lb division.

On paper, the matchup still fits the familiar champion-versus-challenger template at 160 pounds, but the timing is what complicates it.

Adames has already shared the ring with the division’s most dangerous emerging name in Hamzah Sheeraz, and many felt he did enough to win that fight. Since then, his inactivity has stalled momentum rather than clarified his standing.

Williams, by contrast, has been active, but activity alone hasn’t answered the questions raised by his loss to Sheeraz. His recent wins have steadied his career, not redefined it.

That gap — between staying busy and proving readiness — is what makes this title fight feel premature rather than earned, especially with other contenders still waiting.

Adames vs. Williams is fighting on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson. The event will be streamed live on DAZN.