Abdullah Mason secured a unanimous decision victory over Sam Noakes in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, claiming the vacant WBO world lightweight title and becoming the youngest male world champion in boxing history. Mason, undefeated with a record of 20-0 and 17 knockouts, went beyond six rounds for the first time and won by judges’ scores of 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113.
Noakes, who holds a 17-1 record with 15 knockouts and hails from Maidstone, Kent, delivered a challenging performance in an exciting fight, though Mason ultimately earned the win. The 28-year-old began aggressively with hooks, but Mason took control in the second round using his jab. Mason dominated the third round with rapid combinations and a left uppercut, despite Noakes sustaining a deep cut above his left eye from an accidental head clash. Noakes bounced back in the fourth, landing a right counter, and kept up the pressure in the fifth, while Mason consistently targeted with left uppercuts.
Mason’s decision to trade punches in the fourth and fifth rounds appeared to favor Noakes, but the American regained control with his jab in the sixth. Noakes responded with strong body shots and hooks in the seventh. Recognized recently as No. 6 on ESPN Boxing’s Top 25 Under 25, Mason sustained his pressure through the eighth and went after Noakes’ body in the tenth round, where Noakes showed signs of distress. The fight intensified with both fighters exchanging heavy blows in the eleventh, culminating in a head-to-head battle in the final round.
This impressive victory positions Mason for potential high-profile matches against top lightweights like Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Gervonta Davis, and Floyd Schofield.
Fan Take: Abdullah Mason’s historic win marks the rise of a new teenage star in the lightweight division, promising thrilling matchups and a renewed excitement in the sport. His blend of skill and youth could reshape the landscape of boxing’s future champions.
