Opening up the telecast for ESPN, top Welterweight prospect, Carlos Adame (14-0, 12 KOs) took on the veteran fighter Alejandro Barrera (27-5, 17 KOs) in a 10-round affair.
Adame, known for his vicious knockout power, looked to make an impression on one of the biggest stages in sports, Madison Square Garden.
Barrera, a veteran who’s been around the block, was a nice test for the young Dominican. Early on, Adame’s power was on display and Barrera found himself peddling backward for much of the early rounds. Adame seemed to be taking an early lead and also did some brutal bodywork that Barrera surly felt.
Towards the midpoint of the bout, Barrera might have stolen a round or two but never forced the fight onto Adame. At no point did Barrera cause any concern for Adame and the Dominican did all he could to go for the knockout.
Adame certainly fought for the KO victory, but Barrera was by no means a pushover. A live and game Barrera powered through the rounds, despite being rocked on more than one occasion in the fight. Heading into the final rounds, it was mostly the Adame show but Barrera proved some doubters wrong and went all 10.
While a knockout would’ve been ideal for Adame, who has been rumored to be the Welterweight’s division best-kept secret, getting in some rounds in a rough and tough fight is great experience for an up and comer.
The judges scorecards read 97-93, 96-94, and 98-92 all for Adame. For the time being, Adame has passed the eye test and gained very valuable experience fighting under the brightest of lights.
Header photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank
