The WBC middleweight title is on the line on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 undercard, as Carlos Adames defends the belt against Hamzah Sheeraz in what could be an explosive clash.
The fight on February 23 in Saudi Arabia airs on DAZN PPV worldwide.
Adames (24-1) won interim gold in 2022 and was eventually given full-time champion status after calling for Jermall Charlo to relinquish the belt. The Dominican has only fought three times since competing thrice in 2021.
With 18 wins via knockout, Adames looks to chop down the tall and intimidating challenger.
WATCH: Dubois vs. Parker & Beterbiev vs. Bivol, live on DAZN
"Coconuts trees are high, but we can still get them down," Adames said via DAZN.
Sheeraz (21-0) is a rising star looking to become a world champion. The 25-year-old had held Commonwealth and European gold. Given the chance to compete for gold, the man with 17 wins via knockout looks to make the most of the opportunity.
"I got a fighter who's no joke in front of me, he's been a world champion for a reason, but one I feel I'm going to dismantle in a very, very professional manner," Sheeraz said via ESPN.
The Sporting News looks at the odds for this fight and makes a final prediction.
The Sporting News will reveal betting odds for this fight when provided.
The Sporting News will reveal betting trends for this fight when provided.
The fight features two hungry middleweights ready to prove to the world what they can do.
Against Julian Williams, Adames landed 160 of 458 shots (35%), with 134 strikes for power.
Adames was even against Terrell Gausha in strikes at 107, landing three more power punches. While slow in the first half, Adames kicked it up a notch later in the fight, landing double-digit shots in five of the last six rounds.
MORE: How Beterbiev vs. Bivol 1 played out in thrilling fashion
Sheeraz decimated Tyler Denny in his last fight, landing a knockdown in the first thirty seconds. In less than two rounds, he landed 39 shots, 26 of them power punches. Against Austin Williams, Sheeraz landed 134 of 372 shots (36%), 64 jabs, and 70 power punches.
The challenger is quite big for a middleweight, with a four-inch height and a two-inch reach advantage over the champion. Sheeraz is also five years younger than Adames. Age won't play a factor, but power and reach might.
If Adames can handle Sheeraz's power, it could be a long night for the latter. However, Sheeraz should be able to land enough punishing blows to tire Adames out.
Expect this to be a firefight at some point, with Sheeraz pulling through in the end.