Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) is amused that fans are giving him no chance in his 12-round fight against Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) tonight for the vacant WBO lightweight title at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. He says people will be “shocked” by how the battle plays out.
KO percentages don’t lie
The knockout artist Noakes comes into battle with a 88.24% KO rate, which is almost identical to 21-year-old Mason’s 89.47%. This suggests that someone gets knocked out in this undercard clash on the David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde Map.
Tonight’s Ring IV: Night of Champions on DAZN PPV broadcast starts at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM. PT.
Noakes embraces the doubt
“Nothing about this fight bothers me. You obviously have the background noise in it. Everyone says I don’t have a chancebut I know when I get in there on Saturday (night) everyone is going to be shocked,” Sam Noakes said. Boxing King Media about his fight tonight for the vacant WBO lightweight title against Abdullah Mason. “I’ve never been more in the mood for a fight in my life.
Mason’s Streak Under Threat
Promoted to the top ranking, Abdullah Mason has looked unstoppable in recent fights, knocking out his last eight opponents. The last fighter to go the distance against Mason was Cesar Villarraga in 2023. He went six rounds and lost a wide unanimous decision by scores of 60-54, 60-54 and 60-54. Mason can box if he can’t dominate with his strength.
Noakes is going to have to put it on Abdullah, looking to overwhelm him with right hands. The Bedford, Ohio native’s chin is his weak spot, as he has been hurt in the past. He leaves himself open by focusing on aggressive combat and looks at all of his opponents. Mason doesn’t have the same chin as Noakes, so the style he uses could compete in tonight’s fight.
Noakes’ Middleweight Punch
“From the outside everything looks easy,” Noakes says of fighters who underestimate his strength, but then they are surprised when they get in the ring with him. “You don’t know until you get in there. I feel like everyone is going to see it play on Saturday.”
Noakes punches like a middleweight in a lightweight’s body. This makes him formidable against anyone, especially fighters who can’t take a shot without ducking to the canvas. If Noakes can handle Mason’s power, he has an excellent chance of beating him in this fight. He will have 12 rounds to land his bombs on Abdullah, who is not the hardest guy to hit.
Last updated on 22/11/2025
 is amused that fans aren't giving him any chance in his 12-round battle against Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) tonight for the vacant){kind=link}