Abdullah Mason Outpoints Sam Noakes to Win WBO Lightweight Title
Saudi Arabia — Abdullah Mason is officially boxing’s youngest men’s world champion after securing a unanimous decision over Sam Noakes to win the vacant WBO lightweight title on Saturday. The 21-year-old phenom from Cleveland, Ohio, went the distance for the first time in his career, extending his unbeaten record to 20-0 with a masterful performance in a brutal, highly competitive bout.
Mason’s victory, scored 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113, was hard-earned but deserved, as he weathered an aggressive early storm from Noakes and gradually took control of the fight. The 28-year-old Noakes, from Maidstone, Kent, gave Mason a tough test, but in the end, it was the younger man’s superior technique and ring intelligence that secured him the coveted title.
A Fight of Two Halves
Noakes came out swinging in the opening round, pressing Mason with powerful hooks in an effort to establish dominance early. However, Mason, showing his composure, regained his footing in the second, using his jab to dictate the pace and neutralize Noakes’ aggression. By Round 3, Mason had already begun to take control, catching Noakes with a sharp combination and a punishing left uppercut that visibly rocked his opponent.
The fight took a more violent turn in the third when the two fighters clashed heads, causing a cut above Noakes’ left eye. Despite the setback, Noakes managed to find his rhythm again, landing solid counter punches in the fourth round, including a sharp right hand that briefly shook Mason.
However, as the fight wore on, it was clear that Mason’s more refined boxing skills were beginning to tell. Noakes continued to press, landing some heavy blows in the fifth and seventh rounds, but Mason’s ability to switch gears was the defining factor in this contest. In the sixth, Mason’s jab and composure allowed him to regain control after a brief period of being outworked in the middle rounds.
Turning the Tide
By the eighth round, Mason had firmly established himself as the superior fighter, pressing Noakes back and controlling the pace of the exchanges. The Cleveland native was relentless, landing precision shots to Noakes’ body in the tenth, which began to sap his opponent’s strength.
In the 11th round, both fighters stood toe-to-toe in a slugfest that encapsulated the fierce intensity of the fight. Mason landed a devastating left hand that wobbled Noakes, setting the stage for a dramatic final round. Both men threw punches in desperation as they exchanged blows in what was one of the most thrilling finishes seen in a title fight in recent memory.
A Bright Future Ahead
With his latest victory, Abdullah Mason has established himself as one of the sport’s rising stars. Already ranked among the top young talents in the world, Mason’s name now stands alongside some of boxing’s biggest stars. The win puts him in prime position for potential matchups against top contenders like Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Gervonta Davis, and Floyd Schofield.
“This is just the beginning,” said Mason after the fight. “I’ve worked my whole life for this moment, and now I’m here. I’m ready for the big challenges ahead.”
For Noakes, the loss was a setback, but it came against a fighter of Mason’s caliber. Despite his heart and determination, Noakes could not overcome the tactical superiority and youthful energy of the new WBO lightweight champion.
As for Mason, his dominant performance has left fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for the 21-year-old. His rise to prominence in the lightweight division has been swift, and with his impressive skillset, it seems only a matter of time before he becomes a household name in the sport.
