Terence Crawford’s Quest for a Sixth Title: Is Carlos Adames the Hand-Picked Opponent for a Low-Risk Path to History?

Carlos Adames says he thinks he can “beat” all the fighters in the 160 and 168-lb divisions with the way he’s feeling. It doesn’t say much that Adames believes he can clean out the middleweight division because it’s essentially a dead and barren wasteland, empty of talent in my view.

The Terence Crawford Sweepstakes Begins

Fans believe the WBC middleweight champion Adames (24-1-1, 18 KOs) smells money and wants to get in on the Terence Crawford sweepstakes to get some of that green.

Adames has missed out on the mega-millions that arguably less talented fighters have been raking in lately. If he moves up to 168, he increases his chances of picking up a payday of $10 million or more if he can land the big tuna, Crawford, or Canelo Alvarez. He may not have to move up, though.

Why Adames and Not Janibek?

Crawford mentioned this week that he’s considering a move down to the 160-lb division. If he does move, Adames would be an obvious target because he holds the WBC middleweight title. It would arguably be easier work for Crawford than facing IBF and WBO 160-lb champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, as he would be a risky fight for him due to his punching power.

I feel incredible!! Looking at the 160 and 168 divisions and how confident I am that I can beat them all.

— Carlos Adames (@BroncoAdames) September 18, 2025

Crawford could lose. Therefore, it’s likely that he’ll steer clear of Janibek and opt for the potentially easier option in Adames.

Time is Not on Bud’s Side

If Bud stays out of the ring for a year or more on his victory lap from his win over Canelo, the Adames could be more than what he can handle. He’d be near 39 by then, and his hit-and-run style might not work against the pressure fighter Adames as well as it did against the slow, flat-footed 35-year-old Canelo last weekend.

Legacy-Building or Record-Padding?

Terence needs that belt or one of the others in the weight class to become a six-division world champion. It would superficially pad his record, but the ultra-hardcore fans of future generations, who care about records, would be impressed with that accomplishment.