Carlos Adames vs Gerome Warburton: WBC Champion Makes Zuffa Boxing Debut in Non-Title Bout

BBC Sport · 2026-10-30
Carlos Adames vs Gerome Warburton: WBC Champion Makes Zuffa Boxing Debut in Non-Title Bout

WBC middleweight world champion Carlos Adames will step into the ring against Welshman Gerome Warburton on Saturday, 14 November, in a non-title bout that marks Adames' debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner. The fight, which does not put Adames' title on the line, is a strategic move to showcase the champion to a new audience and build momentum within the Zuffa promotion. Adames, known for his aggressive style and knockout power, will face a tough test in Warburton, a seasoned fighter from Wales looking to make a statement against a world champion. While the bout is a non-title affair, the stakes are high for both men: Adames aims to impress in his first outing with Zuffa, while Warburton sees an opportunity to catapult himself into title contention with an upset victory. The matchup underscores the growing trend of champions taking non-title fights to stay active and expand their brand, and it gives fans a chance to see Adames in action without the pressure of a title defense. With the boxing world watching, this fight could set the stage for bigger opportunities for both fighters. Expect fireworks when the bell rings.