Hamzah Sheeraz Vs. Carlos Adames Robbery? Fans Outraged Over Fight Ending

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Carlos Adames: A Controversial Ending Sparks Outrage

NEW YORK, NY — The highly anticipated boxing match between Hamzah Sheeraz and Carlos Adames, held on June 17th, 2023, at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, ended in a dramatic and highly controversial manner. Sheeraz was ultimately declared the winner by technical decision after Adames suffered a gruesome eye injury in the 8th round, leaving fans and experts alike questioning the fairness of the result and accusing the judges of a potential robbery.

The fight, initially a back-and-forth affair showcasing both fighters' skills, took a drastic turn in the eighth round. A clash of heads, ruled an accidental foul, resulted in a significant cut above Adames’ left eye. The injury, requiring considerable medical attention, forced referee Ricky Gonzalez to stop the bout at 1:33 of the round. With neither fighter having been knocked down prior to the injury, the fight was sent to the judges' scorecards for a technical decision.

The judges' scores revealed a split decision in Sheeraz's favor, with two judges scoring the fight 77-75 and 78-74 for Sheeraz, and one judge awarding the bout to Adames 76-76. This outcome ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media and amongst boxing analysts. Many argued that Adames had clearly been winning the fight up until the accidental injury, with several prominent commentators and boxing personalities expressing their disbelief and disappointment at the result. The widely held sentiment was that the fight should have been declared a No Contest, given the accidental nature of the stoppage.

The controversy wasn't just about the scores; it also revolved around the perceived disparity between the judges’ scorecards and the visual narrative of the fight. Many viewers felt the 78-74 score for Sheeraz was particularly egregious, given the generally accepted belief that Adames was ahead on points going into the eighth round. This disparity fueled accusations of biased judging and a potential "robbery" of Adames, who many believed was unfairly denied a well-deserved victory.

While the specifics of each judge's scoring remain opaque without detailed round-by-round breakdowns, the outcry highlights a growing concern within the boxing community: the need for greater transparency and consistency in judging. The incident further fuels the debate surrounding the potential benefits of implementing instant replay or other technological advancements to aid judges in their decisions, particularly in close or controversial fights.

Hamzah Sheeraz, who now boasts a record of 17-0, celebrated his victory, albeit amidst a cloud of controversy. Carlos Adames, whose record stands at 22-2, expressed his disappointment and frustration post-fight, though he also acknowledged the seriousness of his injury. His team is reportedly considering an appeal or further action challenging the result.

The Sheeraz vs. Adames fight serves as a stark reminder of the inherent subjectivity within boxing judging and the potential for controversial outcomes to overshadow even the most exciting bouts. The lingering questions about the fairness of the decision, coupled with the passionate reaction from fans and experts, will undoubtedly continue to fuel discussions about the future of judging in professional boxing. The incident underscores the need for clear, consistent, and transparent judging practices to ensure the integrity and credibility of the sport.