BY HANS THEMISTODE
August 30, 2023 Source: Boxing Scene
Photo Source: Boxing Scene
Normally, world champions are supposed to do one thing. Well, there’s a list of things they typically do. They remain relevant in the public eye, they call for the best matchups, they constantly work on their craft, and most importantly, they fight.
The last point seems like the most obvious. It should be the most salient too. Mauricio Sulaiman, the WBC’s head honcho, has essentially made it clear that a champion no longer needs to fight in order to hold onto his world title. At least that’s the case with Jermall Charlo. For over two years now, the 33-year-old has dealt with a long list of personal issues. Although his middleweight contemporaries sympathize with him, many, including Carlos Adames, are sick and tired of waiting around. The Dominican native has been begging for an opportunity to fight for a middleweight title. But while he’s hurled every insult in the book in the direction of Charlo, a showdown between them doesn’t appear to be on the horizon.
To a certain extent, Adames (23-1, 18 KOs) was placated when the sanctioning body allowed him to fight for their interim tag. And while he’s grateful, he’s hoping to either face Charlo or become elevated due to his inactivity.
Ultimately, Sulaiman recently came out and addressed the situation. From his mouth to Adames’ ears, Sulaiman admitted that it doesn't matter how long Charlo remains out. He has no intention of demoting him.
Although it wasn’t what Adames wanted to hear, he’s still holding out hope that Sulaiman will change his mind. Still, even if he doesn't, Adames doesn’t view himself as simply an interim champion.
“Right now we’re just waiting,” Adames told YSM Sports Media when asked if he’s frustrated with his current circumstances. “We don’t know if they're going to strip him or mandate him to fight me but right now we know I’m the real champion.” In the meanwhile, Adames will continue to knock off whoever is put in front of him. On June 24th, earlier this year, the 29-year-old scored a ninth-round stoppage win over Julian Williams.
The hard-hitting Dominican, despite looking sharp, isn’t satisfied with making just a single appearance. So, at some point before the year comes to a close, Adames will look to take one more stroll to the ring.
“Most likely I’ll be back in the ring by November, December. No opponent is concrete as of right now.”
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