Abdullah Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) is now ranked #6 in the latest Ring lightweight rankings following his 12 round unanimous decision over Sam Noakes (17-1, 15 KOs) to capture the vacant WBO belt last Saturday night November 22nd at Ring IV in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mason breaks through
Only 21 outplayed Mason Noakes in what was easily the most entertaining fight on Turki Alashikh’s loaded card on DAZN PPV. The scores were 115-113, 117-111 and 115-113.
Fans want him higher
Some fans on social media believe Mason should be named 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz, William Zepeda, and IBF belt holder Raymond Muratalla on the Ring’s updated 135-lb list.
What may be holding Abdullah back is his age and the struggles he’s had in hitting Noakes. He did not dominate that fight and was forced to box due to the punishment he took. The Cuban Cruz and the volume puncher Zepeda would have been a problem for Noakes due to their different styles.
The Ring’s updated lightweight rankings
- Shakur Stevenson
- Gervonta Davis
- Raymond Muratalla
- William Zepeda
- Andy Cruz
- Abdullah Mason
- Floyd Schofield
- Denys Berinchyk
- Sam Noakes
- Lucas Bahdi
The Ring Panel’s placement of WBC lightweight champion Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) at #1 is a questionable move, as he hasn’t fought good enough opposition since moving up to the 135-lb division in 2023. Moreover, he did not impress in his fights against William Zepeda on 12 July 12, 202, Los Santos, 12 November and 202 November. 2023.
Cruz vs Eye Test
According to the eye test, Shakur is not #1 material. The diamond at 135 is Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs). He looked the best of his six-fight career, with skills, speed and power that set him apart from everyone in the weight class.
Matchroom-promoted Cruz fights IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla next on January 24, 2026 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Las Vegas. This will give Cruz, 29, the opportunity to show fans who have never seen him before why Nation Vegas ranks him as the #1 fighter in the lightweight division.
Nation Vegas’ rankings
- Andy Cruz
- Floyd Schofield
- William Zepeda
- Abdullah Mason
- Raymond Muratalla
- Gervonta Davis
- Shakur Stevenson
- Sam Noakes
- Denys Berinchyk
- Lucas Baldi
Last updated on 25/11/2025
 is now rated at the #6 spot in the latest Ring lightweight rankings after his 12-round unanimous decision over Sam Noakes (17-1,){kind=link}