Abdullah Mason secured the vacant WBO lightweight title by defeating Sam Noakes with a unanimous decision in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The 21-year-old from Cleveland extended his undefeated streak to 20 wins, including 17 knockouts, marking the first time he went beyond six rounds in his professional career.
The judges scored the bout 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Mason, who became the youngest men’s world champion in boxing. Sam Noakes, 28, from Maidstone, England, presented a tough challenge, landing powerful hooks and counters throughout the fight.
Noakes started aggressively, particularly in the opening round, but Mason quickly adjusted in the second by establishing a strong jab. In the third round, Mason stunned Noakes with a rapid combination and a left uppercut, while Noakes suffered a cut above his left eye due to a clash of heads.
Despite the injury, Noakes rebounded well in the fourth and fifth rounds, delivering his best punch—a right hand—while Mason continued targeting the body and head with left uppercuts. The intense middle rounds saw both fighters engage in heated exchanges that kept the crowd on edge.
Mason regained control in the sixth round by reasserting his jab, but Noakes responded fiercely in the seventh, landing a significant body shot and hooks. Mason maintained pressure from the eighth round onward, focusing attacks to the body by the tenth round.
The fight climaxed in the last rounds with both boxers throwing heavy punches in a thrilling slugfest. Mason even wobbled Noakes in the tenth round, showcasing his endurance and power. The final round saw toe-to-toe action as Mason sealed his victory amid an electrifying atmosphere.
This landmark win positions Mason for potential high-profile matchups against notable lightweight contenders like Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Gervonta Davis, and Floyd Schofield. His rise is noted by ESPN, which recently ranked him No. 6 in their Top 25 Under 25 list, highlighting his promising future in the sport.
