Coach hopes OTX win for Brandon Adams results in major opportunity

Junior middleweight Brandon Adams has traversed a challenging road in boxing. At 35, Adams, of Whittier, California, finds himself on the brink of yet another pivotal moment in his career. He owns Cannon Nation Boxing in Santa Fe Springs, California, and has already proven his resilience by reaching his third tournament final.

Adams, who holds a record of 25-3 (16 KOs), first reached the spotlight in 2015, falling short against John Thompson in the junior middleweight Boxcino finals. Three years later, he captured victory in the reboot of The Contender by defeating Shane Mosley Jnr in the finals. However, a loss to Jermall Charlo in 2019 for the WBC middleweight title stalled his momentum. Limited opportunities followed, with Adams fighting just once in 2020 and 2021. Yet, his upset stoppage of Serhii Bohachuk in 2021, a win that has aged like wine, has hinted at his enduring potential at his natural weight class, junior middleweight. 

After a three-year hiatus, Adams entered the OTX Boxing tournament. He reignited his career with a third-round knockout of Ismael Villarreal and a unanimous decision over Francisco Daniel Veron, earning his place in Friday’s final against unbeaten Greek power puncher Andreas Katzourakis, 14-0 (10 KOs). Katzourakis, 27, trains under Ronnie Shields in Houston, Texas.

Adams’ head trainer, Trevor Sambrano, a former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Jesse Reid, expressed confidence in his fighter’s preparation.

“Brandon is a consummate professional,” Sambrano told BoxingScene. “He’s been doing this for a long time and was brought up the old-school way. He’s had access to quality sparring at Wild Card, [and] Churchill, Matchroom’s boxing gym. Katzourakis fights in a style Brandon has faced countless times, so we’re ready for this challenge.”

Sambrano acknowledged the difficulties Adams has faced, including extended layoffs.

“The time out of the ring allowed Brandon to fall back in love with boxing,” Sambrano said. “He’s stayed sharp as a gym owner and trainer, which kept him ready for opportunities like this. I believe he’s still an elite fighter capable of winning a world title.”

Sambrano also commented on Katzourakis’ unblemished record, emphasizing the challenges of facing an undefeated opponent. 

“When someone hasn’t learned to lose, they bring a certain spirit into the ring,” Sambrano said. “It’ll be a tough night, but Brandon’s experience and tools will prevail.”

Looking ahead, Sambrano expressed hope for a shift in boxing’s perception of losses, as Adams might have been written off a few times in boxing based on having a defeat or two. 

“I hope we’re moving past the Floyd Mayweather era where losses define a fighter,” Sambrano said. “Brandon has the pedigree to contend for titles despite setbacks. Wins like this can open doors at 154lbs, where the division is full of opportunities.”