Controversial Split Decision in Sheeraz vs Adames Stirs Boxing World
Disputed Outcome Shakes Boxing Community
Boxing fans were left scratching their heads after February 23, 2025, when the WBC middleweight title bout between Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz concluded with a controversial split draw. Despite Adames showing a stronger performance by outlanding his opponent, the judges conferred a surprising decision that left many questioning the integrity of boxing scoring. It was a clash that seemed to offer a clear victor but ended mired in confusion.
The match statistics painted a compelling picture: Adames delivered 143 total punches compared to Sheeraz's 135, landing 90 power punches against Sheeraz's 48. Despite these numbers suggesting Adames's dominance, the scorecards read 115-114 in favor of Sheeraz, 118-110 for Adames, and a deadlock at 114-114. Such results prompted outrage and disbelief, with many observers labeling it as unfair to Adames.
Boxing's Judging Integrity Under Scrutiny
The aftermath of the fight saw promoter Frank Warren stepping in to defend Sheeraz. Warren pointed to a hand injury Sheeraz allegedly suffered early in the fight as a reason for his unsatisfactory performance. However, skeptics from the boxing community, including fans and analysts, questioned the legitimacy and impact of this injury narrative, suggesting that Sheeraz’s performance fell short, injury or not.
Adding fuel to the fire, former world champion Duke McKenzie did not hold back his criticism, condemning the decision as nothing short of a ‘robbery.’ He bluntly remarked that Sheeraz ‘must be thanking whatever God he’s got’ for getting away with a draw. McKenzie's sentiments echoed a broader sentiment that boxing's reputation took a hit, with concerns that such decisions only serve to undermine the sport’s credibility.
Complicating matters further, a controversial incident involving Saudi official Turki Alalshikh emerged. Reports suggested that Alalshikh was seen communicating scorecard information to Sheeraz’s corner during the fight, raising serious ethical questions about his role and influence in the bout's proceedings. The allegations, if proven true, cast a stark light on the opaque nature of judging in high-stakes boxing matches.
The furor surrounding the Sheeraz vs. Adames fight is just the latest in a string of recent controversies that have plagued professional boxing. As the debate rages on, fans and pundits alike are calling for more transparency and fairer practices in the adjudication of the sport to prevent future disputes and maintain its integrity.