CLEVELAND, Ohio — Bedford native Abdullah Mason has already established himself as one of the best young boxers in the world. On Nov. 22, Mason will have a chance to claim a world title for the first time in his young career, which no Cleveland boxer has done in 11 years.
Mason (19-0, 17 knockouts),
ranked No. 1 among lightweights by the World Boxing Organization
, will battle Great Britain’s Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) for the WBO Lightweight World Title at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
With a win, Mason would become the first world champion boxer from the Cleveland area since Mickey Bey was briefly the IBF Lightweight world champion in 2014.
The opportunity arose because Keyshawn Davis, who was originally the WBO lightweight champion,
was forced to vacate the title after missing weight by four pounds
prior to a June 7 match vs. Edwin De Los Santos.
“Before the Sam Noakes fight was made, I was already ranked No. 2 in the WBO. So it would have came earlier or later. But I’m prepared for it,”
Mason told reporters in a press conference on Friday
previewing his match. “I started this year out as boxing’s top prospect in the sport, fighting eight-rounders. And now, I’m contending for a world title.
“I’m prepared for it, and I knew I’d be here. As long as I’m staying focused, we’re gonna keep coming out the same way.”
Mason, the 21-year-old southpaw, has won his last nine matches by knockout, including his last two by referee technical decision against Carlos Ornelas on April 5 and
Jeremia Nakathila on June 7
.
“I know what I can do inside the ring. With the right preparation, you always see the same thing, time and time again,” Mason told reporters. “Ever since I turned pro, I’ve been putting on amazing performances with each step-up fight. And I feel like this is going to be the same thing. No different.”
His fight vs. Noakes will be part of an event
called The Ring IV
, which will feature four different bouts, all for title belts.
Mason’s fight vs. Noakes is one of three that will feature two undefeated boxers. The event will air on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
“This is a huge card,” Mason told reporters. “This is a big step up in terms of the magnitude of the fight card that I’m fighting on. Four world championships. So this is something different for me.
“But it’s going to be the same thing. I’m still inside of a square circle with an opponent that I’m prepared for. We’re gonna be in there scrapping with 8-ounce gloves on, and I’m prepared to come home with that title.”
Noakes has only fought one match in 2025, defeating Patrik Balaz on May 10 by TKO.
