In a fight full of intensity, Abdullah Mason, at just 21 years old, was crowned the youngest boxing world champion today. The young pugilist defeated Sam Noakes by unanimous decision, securing the vacant WBO lightweight title in Saudi Arabia.
Mason (20-0, 17 KOs), a native of Cleveland, proved his worth by taking the victory with scorecards of 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113. This triumph marked the first time in his career that Mason went beyond six rounds.
Sam Noakes (17-1, 15 KOs), from Maidstone, England, put up a tough fight, generating complicated moments for Mason. However, the American stood firm and deservedly earned the victory.
Noakes, 28, started aggressively throwing punches in the first round, but Mason responded in the second, establishing his jab. In the third round, Mason connected with a quick combination and an uppercut that staggered Noakes.
A cut above Noakes’ left eye, the result of a clash of heads, added drama to the encounter. Despite this, Noakes had a better fourth round, connecting with a solid right hand.
The fifth round saw Noakes land his best punch, a right hand, while Mason continued to find space with his left uppercuts.Abdullah Mason defeated Sam Noakes to win the vacant WBO lightweight title.Richard Pelham/Getty ImagesMason’s fighting style in rounds 4 and 5 favored Noakes, but the American regained control with his jab in the sixth round. Noakes responded strongly in the seventh, hurting Mason with a body shot before landing several punches.
Mason, recently ranked in the Top 25 Under 25, intensified his offense in the eighth round, focusing on Noakes’ body in the tenth. In this round, Noakes was in serious trouble, staggering after receiving a blow. The eleventh round was an exchange of blows between both boxers.
The fight culminated in an exciting final round, which opens a promising future for Mason, with possible clashes against figures like Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Gervonta Davis, and Floyd Schofield.
