Abdullah Mason, at 21 years old, became the youngest male world champion in boxing after defeating Sam Noakes by unanimous decision. The fight, which took place in Saudi Arabia, was a demonstration of skill and endurance by both boxers.
Mason (20-0, 17 KOs), a native of Cleveland, took his opponent the distance for the first time in his career. The judges ruled in his favor with scores of 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113, thus securing the vacant lightweight title of the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
Sam Noakes (17-1, 15 KOs), from Maidstone, England, put up a fight, offering challenging moments to the young champion. Despite the defeat, Noakes proved to be a worthy rival in an encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Noakes started aggressively, throwing punches in the first round. However, Mason responded in the second, establishing his jab. In the third round, Mason connected 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 fight.
In the fourth round, Noakes performed better, connecting with a right hand. The fifth round saw Noakes land his best punch, while Mason continued to use his uppercuts.Mason focused on his jab in the sixth round, regaining control. Noakes responded in the seventh, hurting Mason with a body shot. Mason, who was recently ranked in the Top 25 Under 25, intensified his attack in the eighth round, and targeted the body in the tenth.
In the tenth round, Noakes was in trouble, staggering after a blow from Mason. The pugilists exchanged blows in the eleventh round. The fight culminated with a final round full of action, paving the way for Mason to face figures like Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Gervonta Davis, and Floyd Schofield.
