Norfolk, Virginia-Abdullah Mason (18-0, 16 COs) was upgraded to Primetime Headliner due to the failure of Keyshawn Davis to offer weight. Keyshawn was 4.3 pounds over, and his defense of his hometown championship was canceled. He was stripped of his WBO lightweight world title and now looks on his way to the 140-pound division. Edwin de Los Santos called Keyshawn irresponsible for not making the contracted weight of 135 pounds. De Los Santos paid his full wallet, despite the match being canceled.
Abdullah Mason’s most important opportunity came earlier than expected. He was on his way to Super Stardom and teamed up the event, but now, as the biggest attraction, he can really shine. Mason is unbeaten with a knockout percentage of 88.8 percent. He faces an experienced contender in Jeremiah Nakathila (26-4, 21 COs), who fought like Shakur Stevenson and Raymond Muratalla. He defeated Miguel Berchelt in 2022 with the sixth round. The 35-year-old Nakathila has decent power and will test Abdullah on the inside.
Abdullah should not underestimate Nakathila as Berchelt did; He must dictate intelligently and dictate the pace of the fight. Mason keeps the benefit in speed, agility and reach. He must use his skills to his advantage and be careful of the timing of Nakathila, who wants to land the perfect punch. Jeremiah cannot compete against Abdullah’s velocity and power and would rather look at him. It is Mason’s time to shine, and he must act according to expectations and give the Norfolk crowd a show. If he is successful, he places himself on top for championship.
At the press conference of Thursday, Keyshawn Abdullah printed over a future struggle, which now looks unlikely with Davis outgrowing the division. The WBO currently has Mason as number two in their rankings, with Sam Noakes as number one. A future match between the top contenders may take place in the near future, now that the title is vacant. Abdullah’s future is clear; He must remain disciplined and continue on the winning path.
With Mason-Nakathila elevated to the main event, the co-function will match Keyhawn’s brother, Kelvin, against Nahir Albright. Keon Davis is also in action against Michael Velez-Garcia.
It may not be the homecoming of Norfolk Hometown we expected, but it contains many action-packed fights with top stars Tiger Johnson and Troy Isley.
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