The middleweight landscape changed swiftly with the coronation of Carlos Adames. The WBC finally paid heed to the interim middleweight champion’s demands and instead of a fight with Jermall Charlo, bestowed him with the jewel. It seemed all rosy until Terrell Gausha stepped up. And now the Dominican boxer looks to make his inaugural title defense on June 15 on the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin undercard.

Many questions loom large before the exciting fight opens the PPV action on the Davis vs. Martin bill. Will the champion’s prime years with little activity come to haunt him? Will the challenger finally step up, who finds himself lacking whenever it matters the most? The fans will find out soon. But before the exciting action takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, let’s have a look at how the two boxers stack up.

Carlos Adames vs. Terrell Gausha: Tale of the tape

Adames, at 30, is the younger of the two and is currently in his boxing prime. His splendid record of 23-1 with 18 KOs also reflects the same and attracts attention to his power-hitting and eagerness to put his opponent on the canvas. In addition, his KO ratio of 78.26% evokes fear among the rivals, as they have to contend with relentless pressure. What’s more? The WBC champion utilizes his wider frame dimensions to the fullest, as he stands tall at 5’11” (1.8 m) and has a reach of 73″ (185 cm).

Meanwhile, Gausha, at 36, is in the twilight years of his career, having fought the best that his division had to offer. He amassed a respectable record of 24-3-1 with 12 KOs and built his reputation as a technician. His KO ratio of 50% suggests the same. A perfect blend of aggression and calculated punches. However, the American boxer cedes ground in the size comparison as he falls short at 5’10” (1.78 m).

He is also the lighter boxer, with scales tipping at 154 lbs (70 kg), compared to Adames’ 157 lbs (71.36 kg). But Gausha has long levers and hence, carries a reach advantage at 73½” (187 cm). These stats and numbers only seem to tell a partial tale, as the 2012 U.S. Olympian has been the busier of the two.

Recent form, momentum, and fighting style

Gausha has earned himself complicated fame in his 12-year-long career. While the Cleveland native is hard to drop to his knees and possesses the technical prowess to beat the best, he hasn’t beaten the best. Despite facing one of the very best, none of his opponents could stop him. He troubles the top fighters with his mixed approach, even dropping Tim Tszyu in the first round of his encounter.

On the contrary, Gausha has fought infrequently in recent years and has failed to seize the big moments in big fights. He matched with Erislandy Lara, Austin Trout, and Erickson Lubin, but failed to collect a win against them.

He also faltered in his only title shot against Tszyu in 2022. But ‘Terrible’ bounced strongly and is on a two-win streak. Moreover, after fighting the majority of his career as a junior middleweight, he recently moved up to middleweight. While Gausha feels confident in his new division, his last fight against KeAndrae Leatherwood did raise some eyebrows.

It’s something Adames will try to exploit. The Comendador native himself has a beefed-up resume to show, as he has bludgeoned the likes of Juan Macias Montiel, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Patrick Day, Joshua Conley, and most recently Julian Williams. However, these fights didn’t come at the frequency he wanted them to. While his relentless pressure and power punches propelled him to the top, his inactivity dented his fame.

The champion only turned up twice in the last two years to the squared circle, and, therefore, the critics have raised concerns about ring rust affecting him. Brushing these apprehensions aside, he promised a spectacle and fireworks on June 15. But can he stick to his words?

Prediction: Who wins it at Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin?

You can put down Gausha’s candidature by citing his age, recent activity level, and his ability to shun top-ranked opponents. But the competition that the challenger has faced these years inside the ring puts him in an advantageous position. His strong chin and ability to absorb punishment set him apart, which might also nullify Adames’ tools: power and pressure. The orthodox boxer also feels at ease in the new division, and it has reduced wear and tear on his body.

Meanwhile, Carlos Adames is a man of big fights. Apart from one blot against Patrick Teixeira, he has a spotless record, and he has only improved as a boxer since then. He has added more weapons and has worked up his foes with devastating body blows. He has all it takes to cement himself at the top of the middleweight division’s food chain. But can he survive Gausha’s hunger to prove his worth in his last shot? It remains to be seen.

What do you make of this upcoming fight between Carlos Adames and Terrell Gausha? Do you think Gausha will finally have his glorious moment, or will Adames defend his crown? Let us know in the comments below.