Abdullah Mason is already crowning himself as the next star in the sport heading into his title fight against Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO lightweight title this Saturday, November 22nd, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Well, Mason isn’t lacking in self-belief, that’s for sure.
(Credit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney)
Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) is confident that he’ll capture the WBO belt against the unbeaten #2 Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) in their 12-round undercard fight on Ring IV on DAZN PPV at the ANB Arena in Turki Alalshikh’s event in Riyadh.
A Battle of Chins
Noakes can’t be counted out in this fight, as he’s got power in both hands and a toughness that could keep him in the contest long enough to unload his nuclear bombs on Mason’s chin. This fight could come down to which of the two has the better chin. Abdullah has been hurt against far lesser punchers than Noakes, and that’s not a good sign going into Saturday’s clash.
“When you think of boxing, you need to think of Abdullah Mason, who is going to become boxing’s youngest active world champion,” said Abdullah Mason to DAZN, ahead of his battle against Sam Noakes this Saturday night for the vacant WBO lightweight title.
Lightweight Sharks Ahead
Even if Mason, 21, is victorious on Saturday night against Noakes, there are fighters in the lightweight division who could bring him down to earth. These are some of the top talents at 135 that might prove to be too much for Abdullah in the future:
- Floyd Schofield
- Andy Cruz
- Shakur Stevenson
- Raymond Muratalla
- William Zepeda
- Lamont Roach
Mason’s management needs to steer him clear of Schofield and 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz. Those two are all wrong for the young Mason. Cruz’s defensive skills and experience are in another galaxy in comparison to Abdullah’s. As for Schofield, his one-punch power and hand speed would make him a nightmare for Mason.
Mason’s Bad Habits
That bad habit that he has of leaving his head wide open when throwing uppercuts would leave him open to Schofield’s right-hand power shots.
“In five years’ time, I see myself at the top of wherever I’m at in the sport. So, if that’s my division at the time, I’m at the top of my division. Wherever I’m at in the sport, I see myself as being the best,” said Mason.
Reality Check Incoming
In five years, Abdullah’s career could be at the top or very possibly at the bottom if his chin can’t withstand the kryptonite from the big hitters at 135, 140, and 147. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Noakes exposes him on Saturday, shining a light on his limitations.
“Me and Sam Noakes are both undefeated. Someone’s ‘O’ has got to go. Pay attention to me because I’m about to be boxing’s youngest world champion. So, if you’re a fan of boxing, I believe you’ll be a fan of Abdullah Mason after watching me,” said Mason.