Abdullah Mason has made a habit of ending nights early. In fact, the last opponent to hear the final bell against him was back on August 26, 2023 and that was the exception, not the rule. The 21 year-old lightweight sensation (19-0, 17 KOs) has built a reputation for concussive power and ruthless finishing ability. Now, he’s just months away from his biggest stage yet a showdown with Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) for the vacant WBO lightweight title on November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
On paper, Noakes represents Mason’s toughest challenge to date. The undefeated British contender brings his own brand of knockout power, with 15 stoppages in 17 wins. Still, Mason isn’t convinced this fight will be a drawn out affair.
“We’re gonna see,” Mason told Sean Zittel on YouTube when asked if Noakes could last more than six rounds. “I don’t think so.”
It’s a bold statement, but one consistent with Mason’s track record. Only two of his 19 professional bouts have gone the distance, and both came early in his career.
Noakes Keeping It Quiet
In contrast to Mason’s confidence, Noakes has remained low key in the build up. The 28 year old has avoided verbal sparring, focusing solely on preparation. While he’s not in the business of trading trash talk, his resume suggests he’ll be just as dangerous once the bell rings.
Clash of Finishers
With a combined 32 knockouts in 36 fights, Mason vs. Noakes shapes up as a meeting between two of the division’s most explosive punchers. Whether it ends in the first half of the fight or somehow goes the distance, the winner will leave Riyadh with not just the WBO title, but also the bragging rights as one of lightweight boxing’s most feared finishers.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
