Abdullah Mason is already crowning himself as the sport’s next star heading into his title fight against Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO lightweight title this Saturday, November 22, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Well, Mason isn’t lacking in self-belief, that’s for sure.
(Credit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney)
Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) is confident of capturing the WBO belt against undefeated #2 Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) in their 12-round undercard fight at Ring IV on DAZN PPV at the ANB Arena in Turki Alalshikh’s event in Riyadh.
A Battle of Chins
Noakes cannot be counted out in this fight as he has power in both hands and a toughness that can keep him in the match long enough to land his nukes on Mason’s chin. This fight could come down to which of the two knows the better. Abdullah has been injured against far fewer punchers than Noakes, and that’s not a good sign going into Saturday’s showdown.
“When you think of boxing, you have to think of Abdullah Mason, who is going to be boxing’s youngest active world champion,” said Abdullah Mason. DAZNahead of his fight against Sam Noakes this Saturday night for the vacant WBO lightweight title.
Lightweight Sharks front
Even if Mason (21) wins against Noakes on Saturday night, there are fighters in the lightweight division who can bring him down to earth. These are some of the top talents at 135 who may be too much for Abdullah in the future:
- Floyd Schofield
- Andy Cruz
- Shakur Stevenson
- Raymond Muratalla
- William Zepeda
- Lamont Roach
Mason’s management should steer him away from Schofield and Andy Cruz, Olympic gold medalist in 2020. Those two are all wrong for the young Mason. Cruz’s defensive skills and experience are in another galaxy compared to Abdullah’s. As for Schofield, his one-touch power and hand speed would make him a nightmare for Mason.
Mason’s bad habits
That bad habit he has of leaving his head wide open when throwing uppercuts will leave him open to Schofield’s right hand power shots.
“Five years from now, I see myself at the top of wherever I am in the sport. So, if it’s my division at that time, I’m at the top of my division. Wherever I am in the sport, I see myself as the best,” Mason said.
Reality Check Incoming
In five years, Abdullah’s career could be over or very well down if his chin can’t withstand the kryptonite of the big hits at 135, 140 and 147. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Noakes exposes himself on Saturday and shines a light on his limitations.
“Sam Noakes and I are both undefeated. Someone’s ‘O’ has got to go. Pay attention to me because I’m about to become boxing’s youngest world champion. So, if you’re a fan of boxing, I believe you’ll be a fan of Abdullah Mason after watching me,” Mason said.
Last updated on 20/11/2025
