Carlos Adames: I’m going to leave it all in the ring on ESPN

Carlos Adames, the 24-year-old Dominican prospect in the Top Rank stable, is making his U.S. TV debut on Saturday, when he faces veteran Alejandro Barrera in the co-feature to the big Linares-Lomachenko bout on ESPN.

Adames, who is 13-0 (11 KO) so far as a pro, says he’s looking to become a superstar for his native country.

“I feel like I carry the responsibility of becoming the superstar that my country is waiting for,” he said. “I have the talent, dedication and confidence to become a superstar that represents the Dominican Republic. I’m going to give it all for my country.”

Perhaps Adames’ best win to date came in July 2017, when he beat former 154-pound titleholder Carlos Molina by decision in Santo Domingo. He signed with Top Rank in February of this year, last fighting in November 2017 in his home country, and the promotional outfit has high hopes for him to become a possible star in the New York area.

As a welterweight, Adames is entering competition in a very strong division. Barrera (29-4, 18 KO) is the first step, a 31-year-old fighter from Mexico who has been up and down in recent fights. He lost to Errol Spence Jr in 2015, then was out of the sport for nearly two years before returning with an upset over Eddie Gomez. Most recently, he was outpointed by Keandre Gibson in Las Vegas, last October.

Adames is hoping to put on a show against him on Saturday.

“I’m going to leave it all in the ring and put on a great show for the fans that will be present at Madison Square Garden and for the millions that will be watching live on ESPN,” Adames said. “I want to tell everyone to get their snacks and drinks ready because I am going for the knockout. Watch out. ‘Caballo Bronco’ is coming.’”