Carlos Adames vs Terrell Gausha fight preview
By James Blears
Hard-hitting Carlos Adames (23-1, 18KO), the Pride of the Dominican Republic, defends the WBC middleweight belt for the second time against veteran and former US Olympian Terrell Gausha (24-3-1, 12KO) on June 15th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The clash for the green and gold is part of a bumper 100th Championship Event at this legendary hotel.
Co-topping the bumper bill is the Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin bout, plus David Benavidez vs former WBC light heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC Interim crown.
So many fights on one night, it’s almost enough to leave fans in a stupor. But both Adames and Gausha are looking to steal the limelight.
Adames, who at 30 is at his pro-peak, was elevated to absolute champion in May, following the woes of Jermall Charlo, who needs time and space to overcome his personal problems.
A robustly built KO artist, Adames has built an impressive 78.26% stoppage ratio. While Gausha, aged 36, is 24-3-1, 12 KO’s – a 50% halt tally.
Enthused Adames says: ‘’I’m very excited to be back in Las Vegas on a Mega Card. Terrell Gausha has a lot of experience fighting at top level. Right now my mind is right and my body feels great. I’m going to defend my title with all I’ve got.’’
Gausha succinctly counters: ‘’My experience and my skills set will be a huge factor to gain victory.’’
Adames fought his pro debut in 2015, as a welter, super-welter and a middleweight. He showed his potential by defeating top welterweight contender Carlos Molina by UD. He dropped Molina in round two along the way, but Molina lasted the distance. So this fight ended Adames’ then 10 fight KO streak.
The Dominican stormed up the rankings, until he faced the second of two Pats. He defeated Patrick Day to win the NABF super-welterweight belt, but then in his next fight he suffered his one and only loss to date.
This came via UD against Patrick Teixeira for the WBO Interim super-welter title. Unfazed, unconfounded and undaunted, three fights later, having filled out into a middleweight, he convincingly outpointed the durable Sergiy Derevyanchenko.
Then a mighty third round KO of Juan ‘’Juanito’’ Macias to win the WBC Interim middleweight title, and he stopped Julian Williams, via a ninth round TKO for a first successful defence. So, here we are, following his deserved elevation.
Terrell Gausha, who has fought as a super-welter and is now a middleweight. As an amateur, he represented the United States in the 2012 Olympics. He debuted as a pro in 2012. Knocked down in his fourth pro fight, he got up to win a UD over William Waters.
He lost a UD to Erislandy Lara for the WBA super-welterweight title, being knocked down in the fourth, but bravely got up.
He drew with Austin Trout, lost to Erikson Lubin for the vacant WBC silver super-welterweight title via UD, and he knocked down Tim Tszyu in the first round, but lost a UD.
Cleaveland-born Gausha bounced back with a ninth round KO of Brandon Lynch, who was down three times in that round before it was waved off. And then a UD victory over KeAndrae Leatherwood.
He’s durable, never having been stopped, and he can punch with power, but as yet he hasn’t shone at championship level. He knows all too well that, at his age, this could be his last chance to finally reach the top.
This is Adames’ big chance to shine in the MGM’s 100th celebration and underline his championship status. Gausha will try his utmost to go one better than he’s done so far in important championship fights, where thus far he’s come up short.
In his 28 bouts, Gausha has fought 177 rounds. In his 24 fights, Adames has made shorter work of opponents, fighting just 115 rounds.
Both are big for the middleweight category. Adames stands 5ft 11in with a 73in reach, while Gausha is one inch shorter but his reach is a full half an inch more extended.
This isn’t exactly a glamour fight for Adames, but he’ll be fully focusing on it. He’s fully aware that Gausha wants to try and spring a surprise.
The winner has the enticing prospect of a fight against IBF and WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, or to go up a division to take on Mexican megastar Saul Canelo Alvarez.
These are the prospects for the victor. But both Adames and Gausha would be wise to concentrate on the here and now.
Tale of the Tape
CARLOS “El Caballo Bronco” ADAMES
WBC Middleweight World Champion
Age: 30
DOB: May 7, 1994
Residence, birthplace: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Record: 23-1, 18 KOs
Total rounds: 115
Height: 5’10”
Reach: 72.5”
Stance: Right-handed
Trainer: Bob Santos
TERRELL GAUSHA
WBC #10 at Middleweight
Age: 35
Date of birth: September 9, 1987
Residence: Encino, California
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
Record: 24-3-1, 12 KOs
Total rounds: 177
Height: 5’10”
Reach: 73.5”
Stance: Right-handed
Trainer: Manny Robles
Betting Odds
Adames: 1/7
Gausha: 6/1
Draw: 20/1