Carlos Adames loves getting into a good scrap, but he isn’t willing to fight anyone and everyone.

A WBO "interim" world title defeat against Patrick Teixeira in November 2019, the only loss of his career, has made him more appreciative of what he has now. But it doesn’t mean he’s satisfied.

There are certain goals that Adames (24-1-1, 18 KOs) wants to check off. One of them is to become a unified world champion. With the WBC strap draped over his shoulder, he’s at least halfway to that accomplishment.

Janibek Alimkhanuly (WBO, IBF) and Erislandy Lara (WBA) are the only two remaining champions in the middleweight division. However, when it comes to competing with one of the two in the ring, Adames is only interested in swapping fists with Alimkhanuly.

In the case of Lara, Adames has too much reverence to even think about fighting him.

“Since I was a kid, I grew up watching Lara,” Adames told The Ring. “I’ve always been a fan of Lara. We also have the same team, the same coach. It’s not a fight that interests me.”

Lara, 42, impressed Adames when he was younger with his ability to box and move. That style helped him win several world titles before he eventually morphed into more of a puncher.

The transition for Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs) has been smooth. If you need proof, look no further than his recent ninth-round stoppage win over Danny Garcia.

While Adames is off limits, Alimkhanuly is fair game. He loathes him. The two have gone back and forth over social media for years now, but that has failed to help in any negotiating efforts that would lead to a unification. Still, Adames will try his best to get him in the ring.

“Right now, my priority is to get to Janibek. Lara is out of the question."