The Last Crescendo - Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz: Live round-by-round updates

WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames attempted the second defense of his title against highly touted contender Hamzah Sheeraz at the boxing event titled 'The Last Crescendo.' The event took place on Feb. 22 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and was headlined by the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. The main card began at 11 am ET / 8 am PT.

Adames initially captured the interim WBC middleweight title with a victory over Juan Macias Montiel and successfully defended it against Julian Williams. He was later elevated to full champion status after Jermall Charlo was stripped of the title in May 2024. Adames secured his first title defense against Terrell Gausha in June 2024, solidifying his position as the champion.

Meanwhile, Sheeraz, an undefeated Pakistani-origin boxer from the UK, was coming off a second-round knockout win against Tyler Denny in his most recent fight, which took place in September 2024.

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The Last Crescendo: Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz

Round 1

Adames appeared calm and collected in the face of what seemed to be a highly pro-Sheeraz crowd. Sheeraz started the fight with calculated aggression, looking for openings while using his height and reach advantage to keep the champion at bay. Adames, utilizing a wide and low stance, aimed to mix up his attacks to both the head and the body. Sheeraz carefully picked his shots, intercepting the champion with jabs.

Our score: 10-9 Sheeraz

Round 2

Adames increased his volume in Round 2 and achieved early success with combinations targeting Sheeraz's body and head. However, Sheeraz remained patient and defensively responsible, pumping out jabs to counter the champion's forward pressure. Adames struggled to find his range, as his punches failed to make solid contact. There wasn’t much activity, but Sheeraz seemed to be in control of the round.

Our score: 10-9 Sheeraz, Sheeraz 20-18 overall

Round 3

It was another close round as Sheeraz continued to act like a matador, deflecting and blocking the powerful shots from Adames. While Adames was the more active fighter, Sheeraz appeared to be landing with greater accuracy.

Our score: 10-9 Sheeraz, Sheeraz 30-27 overall

Round 4

Sheeraz raised his activity level as Adames seemed to be struggling to close the distance. The jabs began to land with greater accuracy, while Adames appeared frustrated by his inability to get inside and launch meaningful attacks. Sheeraz effectively intercepted Adames' entries and put together longer combinations in the closing minute of the round, skillfully cutting off the ring.

Our score: 10-9 Sheeraz, Sheeraz 40-36 overall

Round 5

Adames displayed signs of desperation as Sheeraz's defensive aggression provided few opportunities for him to capitalize. The champion relentlessly pushed into close range and had success landing strikes to both the head and body. Despite this, Sheeraz remained undeterred and continued to execute his game plan. Overall, it was a much better round for Adames.

Our score: 10-9 Adames, Sheeraz 49-46 overall

Round 6

Adames attempted to lure Sheeraz into a chaotic fight. The close-range body shots were the most effective weapon for Adames. Sheeraz struggled to increase his offensive output and relied on occasional jabs. Adames appeared to be finding his rhythm, landing more and more punches.

Our score: 10-9 Adames, Sheeraz 58-56 overall

Round 7

Adames’ activity level continued to rise, while Sheeraz’s output appeared to have plateaued. Adames effectively controlled the pace of the match, using impressive head movement to dodge Sheeraz’s individual punches with increasing efficiency. At the same time, he found success with both head and body shots.

Our score: 10-9 Adames, Sheeraz 67-66 overall

Round 8

At this point, Adames had the momentum on his side after landing a powerful overhand right that stunned Sheeraz. He quickly followed up with a flurry of punches aimed at Sheeraz's head and body, but Sheeraz managed to create distance and reset. Sheeraz responded with an overhand right of his own; however, Adames continued to control the pace of the fight and maintained an advantage in terms of punch volume.

Our score: 10-9 Adames, 76-76 overall

Round 9

Once again, Sheeraz failed to match the volume and refused to engage in a firefight that Adames tried to lure him in. While the champion ate a few jabs, especially while trying to enter the close range, he continued to enjoy success with body shots. Sheeraz struggled to deal with the champion's level changes and head movements.

Our score: 10-9 Adames, Adames 86-85 overall

Round 10

Adames seemingly did not respect the power coming back from Sheeraz and aggressively pushed forward with a variety of attacks from different angles. Despite being unable to match the volume, Sheeraz adhered to the stick-and-move strategy, giving up ground and allowing Adames to apply forward pressure.

Our score: 10-9 Adames, Adames 96-94 overall

Round 11

Sheeraz showed the urgency in the opening minute, attempting far more punches and landing at a higher clip. However, Adames returned fire and continued to work the body. The forward pressure ultimately forced Sheeraz to retreat but he whipped out a right hand, the most significant strike of the round. But ultimately, Adames' volume appeared to have won him the round.

Our score: 10-9 Adames, Adames 106-103 overall

Round 12

Both men bit down the mouthpiece and came out aggressively. However, the chaotic exchanges appeared to be favoring Adames, who mixed up the attacks to the head and body. A huge right hand from the champion stunned Sheeraz, who returned with his own. Adames continued to dictate the pace and finished strong.

Our score: 10-9 Adames, Adames 116-112 overall

Final result: Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz ends in a split draw (118-110, 114-115, 114-114)