Adames Dodges Mandatory For Zuffa Debut
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WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames will make his Zuffa Boxing debut against unranked Gerome Warburton in a non-title bout on November 14th in Riyadh, according to Dan Rafael.
The matchup sidesteps Meiirim Nursultanov, who has been waiting nearly three years for his mandatory shot. Per Bad Left Hook, the WBC ordered Adames to face Nursultanov less than a month ago, calling it the Kazakh's "golden opportunity," then quickly approved the catchweight fight above 160 pounds instead.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Zuffa Boxing 12 on Ticketmaster →
Why Adames Is Fighting At Catchweight
Adames has not competed since drawing with Hamzah Sheeraz in March, making this a tune-up rather than a title defense. Warburton enters on back-to-back decision wins over Nathan Heaney but was stopped in four rounds by Kieron Conway two fights earlier. The Briton carries an 18-2-2 record with two knockouts and no current ranking.
The WBC's approval comes despite Adames spending a year inactive following the Sheeraz draw. Nursultanov remains in limbo as the champion opts for a stay-busy fight in Saudi Arabia.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Zuffa Boxing 12 on Ticketmaster →
The card takes place November 14th under the Zuffa Boxing banner in Riyadh.
Reported via:
- Bad Left Hook — Carlos Adames vs Gerome Warburton reportedly headlines November 14th Zuffa Boxing
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