Carlos Adames vs Gerome Warburton

I see this as a serious jump in class for Warburton. Beating Heaney twice earns respect, and he’s coming in with confidence, but Adames presents a different problem. There’s a big difference between finding your rhythm against a domestic opponent and keeping it when a tried-and-tested world champion starts coming back with heavier counters.

Warburton’s southpaw stance gives him an opportunity to establish the lead foot outside and bring his straight left through the middle. He needs that jab working, then an angle after every combination. If he finishes his attack and stays planted, I fancy Adames to punish him. The Welshman’s modest knockout record also makes me question whether he can discourage Adames from closing the distance.

Adames needs patience himself. Following a southpaw around and loading up would give Warburton chances to nick rounds. I want to see him shorten the ring, attack the body and bring the right hand through once Warburton starts holding his ground. I respect Warburton’s progress, but I’m picking Adames by stoppage in the second half.