Adames Confirms Non-Title Fight With Warburton

WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames will not put his belt on the line when he meets Gerome Warburton on Nov. 14 in Saudi Arabia, ESPN reports.

The fight marks Adames' first ring appearance since he captured the vacant WBC strap earlier this year. Rather than a mandatory defense, the champion is taking a non-title assignment against Warburton, whose record at 160 pounds positions him outside the sanctioning body's rankings.

Why Adames Is Fighting Without His Title At Stake

Non-title bouts allow champions to stay active between mandatory defenses while avoiding the risk of losing a belt on the scales or in a disputed decision. The WBC signed off on the arrangement, which keeps Adames in the mix for a bigger middleweight unification or money fight in 2025.

Warburton, a pressure fighter who has competed primarily on the U.S. circuit, represents a step down in competition but gives Adames rounds in a high-profile Saudi card. The Nov. 14 date puts the champion on track for a title defense in the first quarter of next year.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — WBC champ Adames to face Warburton in non-title bout Nov. 14