Why Adames-Williams isn’t the title fight fans expected

The Adames-Williams fight would make more sense if Ammo had beaten solid fighters since his loss to Sheeraz. Instead, Williams received three confidence boosters to return to his winning ways, but none have been good enough to show whether he is capable of competing against top opposition again.

Adames, 31, has been on the sidelines since fighting to a controversial 12-round draw against Hamzah Sheeraz on February 22, 2025. Many people thought Carlos deserved the victory in that fight, but the judges marked it as a draw.

The suitors are still waiting

Fans were hoping to see undefeated No.2 WBC contender Yoenli Hernández get a title shot against Adames. Many people view the Cuban-born Yoenli as a future world champion, and perhaps the next star of the 160-pound division.

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

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

Williams, on the other hand, has been active, but her activity alone has not answered the questions raised by her loss to Sheeraz. His recent victories have stabilized his career, without redefining it.

That gap — between staying busy and proving he’s ready — is what makes this title fight premature rather than won, especially with other contenders still waiting.

Adames vs. Williams fight on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN.