Interim WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames retained his title with a ninth round TKO over Julian Williams at The Armory in Minneapolis.
Adames (23-1, 18 KOs) collected his fifth consecutive victory after dropping a decision to Patrick Teixeira back in 2019 and continues to be recognized as one of the most dangerous fighters in the 160-pound division. His performance against the former 154-pound unified champion further solidified his case.
The Dominican started off fast and worked the body and head of Williams (28-4-1) with a high-pressure attack. Williams bounced back and had a strong third round where he worked behind a jab to set up his combination punching and set the stage for an exciting back-and-forth battle.
But Adames stormed back in the fourth round and tore into Williams with a vicious onslaught of power punching that began to take the wind out of the sails of 'J-Rock'.
The Philly fighter refused to back down to Adames' pressure and acclimated himself well in the following round to ensure the fight wouldn't get away from him. Adames continued to work the body in the middle rounds and the deposits would pay off.
Adames bounced a thudding right hand off the head of Williams in the ninth round and ransacked his wounded foe with a barrage of punches. Williams careened around the ring as Adames relentlessly pounded at the head and torso of his opponent. But just when it appeared the storm was over and Williams had survived, the referee stepped in to call a halt to the fight.
Williams and his corner immediately protested the stoppage; in the aftermath, trainer Stephen Edwards said: "It's always predictable — the A-side get this same s**t."
The fighter himself labelled the call "terrible" and "bulls**t". But, it was clear that Adames was getting a head of steam and putting together a fight ending onslaught.
With the victory, Adames is in line to face WBC champion Jermall Charlo but it appears that the champion is moving up to face Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship in September.
If Charlo vacates, Adames would have the interim status removed and be recognized as the full 160-pound WBC champion.
Carlos Adames vs. Julian Williams full card results
- Carlos Adames def. Julian Williams via Round 9 TKO (2:45) to retain interim WBC middleweight title
- Erickson Lubin def. Luis Arias via Round 5 KO (2:11)
- Fernando Martinez def. Jade Bornea via Round 11 TKO (:29) to retain for the IBF super flyweight title