Event: The Last Crescendo: Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2
Date: Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight (12 rounds)
Broadcaster: DAZN
The stacked undercard of The Last Crescendo: Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 on February 22, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will see Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) put his WBC World Middleweight Championship on the line against undefeated British contender Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KOs). This high-stakes bout is a pivotal moment for both fighters, with Adames aiming to solidify his reign and Sheeraz seeking his first world title in a career-defining challenge.
Fighter Profiles
Carlos Adames 🇩🇴 (Champion)
- Age: 30 | Height: 5’11” | Reach: 72.8”
- Style: Orthodox pressure fighter with devastating power in both hands.
- Strengths: Elite durability (never stopped), relentless body work, and championship experience.
- Weaknesses: Height and reach disadvantage could complicate closing the distance.
- Recent Form: 6-fight win streak, including a unanimous decision over Terrell Gausha in his first WBC title defense.
Hamzah Sheeraz 🇬🇧 (Challenger)
- Age: 25 | Height: 6’3” | Reach: 75.2”
- Style: Orthodox technician with a piston-like jab and underrated power.
- Strengths: Exceptional reach, fight-ending accuracy, and momentum from a breakout 2024 (3 TKOs over top contenders).
- Weaknesses: Untested against elite competition; stamina in championship rounds remains unproven.
- Recent Form: 5 consecutive TKOs, including a dominant 2nd-round stoppage of Tyler Denny in September 2024.
Fight Breakdown
Key Matchup Dynamics
- The Jab vs. The Body: Sheeraz’s 3-inch height and 2.4-inch reach advantage could allow him to control distance with his jab, while Adames will aim to neutralize this by targeting Sheeraz’s midsection.
- Championship Pedigree: Adames has faced higher-caliber opponents (e.g., Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Julian Williams), whereas Sheeraz’s résumé lacks a marquee name.
- Power vs. Precision: Both fighters boast over 70% KO rates, but Sheeraz’s recent form (4 early TKOs in 2024) suggests he thrives in explosive exchanges.
Storylines to Watch
- Youth vs. Experience: At 25, Sheeraz represents the new generation of middleweights, while Adames, 30, seeks to prove his dominance isn’t fading.
- Odds and Expectations: Sheeraz enters as the betting favorite (-230), with analysts predicting his jab will dictate the fight.
Prediction
Sheeraz by Unanimous Decision or Late TKO. While Adames’ durability and body work will test the Brit, Sheeraz’s physical advantages and tactical discipline are likely to accumulate damage over 12 rounds. Adames’ chin may hold, but Sheeraz’s precision and stamina could sway the judges.
Conclusion
This WBC Middleweight Championship bout is more than a title fight—it’s a crossroads for both men. Adames’ reign hinges on weathering Sheeraz’s technical onslaught, while Sheeraz aims to validate his hype on the global stage. With explosive power, contrasting styles, and championship stakes, this clash promises to be a highlight of Riyadh’s historic card. Tune in to DAZN or Sky Sports Box Office to witness a potential changing of the guard at 160 lbs.
📊 Want to dive deeper into the action? Subscribe to our Boxing Data API to access full round-by-round punch stats, detailed analytics, and historical fight data.
