The WBC middleweight champion says he is moving to 168 pounds and alleges two titleholders have already declined a matchup
Carlos Adames says two current super middleweight champions have already turned down the chance to fight him as he prepares to leave the middleweight division. The WBC champion made the claim on social media while reaffirming his plans to campaign at 168 pounds and pursue a title fight immediately.
Let me say it again: I’m moving up to 168. Two fighters have already turned down the fight. That’s embarrassing.
— Carlos Adames (@BroncoAdames) June 3, 2026
In a follow-up post, he added: “And they’re champions…”
Adames also challenged the division’s titleholders directly.
“Everyone wants to take the easy path, and that’s exactly why these fights never happen. I’m ready for anybody at 168. Name the opponent.”
The 27-year-old has repeatedly stated since March that he plans to move to super middleweight. On May 30, Adames posted: “I already announced that I’m moving up to 168. Going straight after the toughest fighter in the division. Who is it?”
Adames did not identify which champions allegedly turned down a fight.
The current titleholders at super middleweight are Osleys Iglesias (IBF), Jaime Munguia (WBA), Christian Mbilli (WBC), and Hamzah Sheeraz (WBO).
Adames has previously shared the ring with Sheeraz. The two fought to a majority draw in February 2025 when Adames retained his WBC middleweight title.
His most recent appearance came in March, when he defeated Austin Williams over 12 rounds to retain the belt.
No opponent has been announced for Adames’ first fight at 168 pounds. His recent social media posts indicate that he is pursuing a title fight against one of the division’s current champions.