Adames-Sheeraz Fight Ends In Controversial Draw: Adames Retains Title

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Adames Retains Title in Controversial Draw Against Sheeraz

New York, NY – The highly anticipated junior middleweight showdown between champion Patrick “El Relámpago” Adames and challenger Ali “The Hurricane” Sheeraz ended in a controversial split draw Saturday night at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The fight, a clash of styles and power, left fans and experts debating the scoring long after the final bell, with Adames retaining his WBO junior middleweight title despite many feeling Sheeraz deserved the victory.

The twelve-round contest saw Adames, known for his aggressive, power-punching style, initially controlling the early rounds with heavy body shots and occasional flurries. Sheeraz, a technically skilled boxer with a strong jab and footwork, began to find his rhythm in the middle rounds, landing cleaner, more effective punches and showcasing his superior boxing acumen. The fight's momentum shifted dramatically in the later rounds, with Sheeraz seemingly taking control, out-landing Adames and landing some significant power punches of his own.

One judge scored the fight 115-113 for Adames, while another had it 115-113 for Sheeraz. The third judge saw the fight as a 114-114 draw, leading to the final, highly disputed result. The split decision sparked immediate outrage from many in attendance and across social media, with many viewing Sheeraz as the clear victor. The crowd's reaction after the announcement was a palpable mix of shock and anger, with a chorus of boos echoing through the arena.

Several boxing analysts and commentators also voiced their strong disagreements with the judges’ scorecards. Many pointed to Sheeraz’s consistent, effective punching throughout the later rounds and his superior ring generalship as clear indicators of a Sheeraz victory. The controversy surrounding the scoring immediately reignited the debate about the inconsistencies and subjectivity inherent in boxing judging. Calls for improved judging protocols and increased transparency in the scoring process have been made following this highly controversial outcome.

Adames, while retaining his title, acknowledged the tough fight, offering respect to Sheeraz’s performance. “It was a tough fight, a great fight,” Adames stated post-fight. “He’s a tough opponent, and I respect his game. The judges saw it differently, and that’s boxing.” Sheeraz, visibly disappointed but maintaining his composure, expressed his frustration with the decision. “I thought I won the fight clearly,” Sheeraz said. “I felt I controlled the latter rounds. I’ll be back.”

The controversial outcome raises questions about the future of the junior middleweight division. A rematch between Adames and Sheeraz is almost certainly on the cards, given the demand from fans and the unresolved nature of their first encounter. The fight served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of boxing and the crucial role judges play in shaping the sport's narrative. The implications of this draw will undoubtedly linger, fueling discussion about scoring transparency and the need for consistent and accurate judging in professional boxing. The event also highlights the need for a clear and universally accepted scoring system to avoid such controversial outcomes in the future. The controversy surrounding the fight will likely dominate boxing headlines in the coming weeks, shaping the narrative surrounding the junior middleweight division and the future of both fighters.