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It’s been “penciled in” for ages and the fighters have been training for it, but the November 30th clash between top-ranked WBO super welterweights Carlos Adames and Patrick Teixeira is finally official. The bout will serve as a co-feature for Oscar Valdez vs. Andres Gutierrez in Las Vegas, live on ESPN+
There remains a bit of confusion, though; as of right now, this is still considered a final eliminator for a crack at champion Jaime Munguia. Munguia just announced a middleweight January 11th middleweight bout with Spike O’Sullivan, but has not officially vacated his 154-pound belt. It’s unclear whether the November 30th will become the champion or have to face the next-highest contender for the vacant belt; either way, it’s scheduled for 12.
Adames (18-0, 14 KO), one of the most successful of Top Rank’s ever-growing collection of talented youngsters, has yet to falter since his 2015 pro debut. The 25-year-old Dominican has already fought thrice this year, scoring knockouts of Juan Ruiz and Frank Galarza alongside a decision over the late Patrick Day in June.
“A victory on Nov. 30 will mean one of the last steps en route to fulfilling my dream of becoming world champion,” Adames said. “Without a doubt, this fight is the most important of my career. There is no room for mistakes. A victory guarantees me the opportunity to challenge for the world title. That’s why I worked hard and conscientiously with my trainer, Robert Garcia. I assure you that the Dominican Republic will have a world champion very soon.”
It is not entirely clear to me how Teixeira (30-1, 22 KO) earned the #2 spot in the WBO rankings. He’s fought just four times since getting vibe checked by Curtis Stevens in 2016, the most notable victory a unanimous decision over Nathaniel Gallimore. He does have a knockout of Patrick Allotey to his credit, though. and that’s apparently a champion-worthy win now.
“I’m very excited to fight Carlos Adames in Las Vegas in this elimination fight for the world title,” Teixeira said. “I’m very happy for this opportunity. It’s an important fight for me because I will be able to pursue my dream of becoming a world champion.”
That ESPN link also has the opponents for up-and-comers like Jared Anderson, Xander Zayas, Brian Mendoza, and Guido Vianello.