Chris Algieri has called a potential February clash between champion Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz a “great fight” and a “potential attacker.”
Speculation is intensifying that they could head to the February 22nd draft in Saudi Arabia. The WBC middleweight champion defends his title against the British’s hard-hitting challenger.
The February 22 draft could also include the return of IBF heavyweight belt holder Daniel Dubois and was set to feature a lightweight clash between Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda, but Zepeda received Injured his hand in a narrow win over Tevin Farmer last week. And that match will be delayed.
However, Algieri is full of praise for a potential middleweight clash between 24-1 (18 KO) Adams and 21-0 (17 KO) Shiraz.
“This is the fight I want more than any other fight. in that division,” Algieri explained. “I know we talk about the middleweight division as a wasteland. We have Janibek (Alimkanuli) at the top. Most people consider him to be a talented person. But I like the way Carlos Adames has looked since moving to weight, I remember him at welterweight. And I can’t believe he gained weight. He committed suicide to move that weight up to 54. I believe he was struggling with his weight there as well, but at 160 years old he looks like a completely different man. He’s a beast, he brings it, he’s a lot of fun to watch.”
Speaking about ProBox TV’s feature story, Algieri said Sheeraz was an opportunity that “can’t be missed.”
“He’s got everything. He’s got the size, the power and the mentality. Obviously he’s going to fight as hard as possible,” Algieri added.
Algieri’s ProBox TV colleague Paulie Malignaggi also likes the possibility of Sheeraz clashing with Adames and paid tribute to the Englishman for choosing to fight one of the toughest fights in the division.
“I think Sheeraz could be the future of this weight class,” Malignaggi added, “even though Janibek is a more seasoned champion. But I feel like Adames is better than Janibek at this point. Even though you are the future of powerlifting in Sheeraz, you are facing the strongest world champion. So it’s a little riskier.
“He (Adams) is not easy to deal with. And he’s gotten better. He is constantly improving and he is not easy for anyone. So for your first world title fight. Having to fight Carlos Adames and having to live up to expectations. It’s not easy. But it’s a fight I’m looking forward to seeing.”
