In an intense fight held in Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Mason was crowned the youngest current boxing world champion. The 21-year-old pugilist defeated Sam Noakes by unanimous decision, securing the vacant WBO lightweight title.
Mason, originally from Cleveland, demonstrated his skill 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, from Maidstone, England, didn’t make it easy for Mason, offering an entertaining matchup. Noakes, 28 years old, started strong, connecting punches in the first round, but Mason responded in the second, establishing his jab.
In the third round, Mason hit Noakes with a quick combination and a left uppercut. Noakes suffered a cut above his left eye due to a clash of heads, but managed to react in the fourth round with a good right hand.
In the fifth round, Noakes landed his best punch, a right hand, while Mason continued with his left uppercuts.Mason’s fighting style in rounds 4 and 5 favored Noakes, but the American regained control with his jab in the sixth. Noakes responded with a great seventh round, hurting Mason with a body shot.
Mason, recently ranked in the Top 25 Under 25, intensified his offense in the eighth round, focusing on Noakes’ body in the tenth. Noakes struggled in the tenth round, staggering from a left hook. The fight culminated with an exchange of blows in the eleventh round.
The final round was a display of bravery, paving the way for Mason to face figures like Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Gervonta Davis, and Floyd Schofield.
