Noakes promises to shock Mason, predicts early KO in Riyadh

Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) says he has the power to finish Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) in their 12-round fight for the vacant WBO lightweight title on November 22 at The Ring IV event at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Noakes, 28, is glad Bedford, Ohio native Mason wants to make it a war because that style suits him and will allow him to land his bombs. The Top Rank promoted Mason predicts a stoppage inside six rounds in their undercard fight on DAZN PPV. Sam does not agree with this prediction, but he welcomes Abdullah (21) to try.

Noakes’ Warning Shot

“On paper it’s going to be one of the best fights of the year,” Sam Noakes said Fight Hub TV about his clash with Abdullah Mason on November 22. “Yes, I do,” Noakes said when asked if he had the power to stop Mason. “No, I don’t think it will go 12. I think it’s a good fight, and of course.”

Mason’s fragile moments

Obviously, Noakes has enough power to knock out Mason, who has already proven in the past to have a fragile chin. Sam has enough power to knock him out with either hand if Abdullah leaves himself open like he did in his fight with Yohan Vasquez on November 8, 2024. It was a match in which Mason was knocked down twice in the first round.

The way Mason fell in a tree fall fashion was disturbing as he showed that he was hurt in both cases. He did not extend his hands to support his fall. It was wood. Kengewise, Abdullah is not cut out to fight at the highest levels of the sport. He will still be fun to watch as long as Top Rank keeps him away from the big punchers.

When a fighter is already being dropped repeatedly against second-tier opposition, it’s a red flag that they’re not going to make it to the highest levels.

Test Mason’s Chin

“I’ve got a big shock for him on November 22 because I won’t go out before the sixth, no way,” Noakes told Queensberry, in response to Mason predicting a knockout before six rounds. “I think he’ll be sore afterwards. Okay, it’s coming. He better be hungry,” Noakes said when told that Abdullah said he had an appetite for smoking.’

It’s going to be a huge disappointment for Top Rank if Mason gets knocked out by Noakes as they try to build him up into a star at lightweight.