Abdullah Mason Edges Sam Noakes in War, Becomes Youngest Current World Champion
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 23 Nov 2025
In a breathtaking battle of undefeated power-punchers, American rising star Abdullah Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) overcame a relentless challenge from the UK's Sam Noakes (17-1, 15 KOs) to secure the WBO world lightweight title via unanimous decision at The Ring IV: Night of Champions event at the Kingdom Arena late Saturday night (early Sunday in Manila).
The thrilling 12-round contest, the first of four world title fights on the card, saw the 21-year-old Mason elevate his status in the sport. The official scores read 117-111 and two cards of 115-113, all in favor of the newly crowned champion. With the victory, Mason becomes the youngest current male boxing world champion across all major sanctioning bodies.
Mason, the slick southpaw from Cleveland, Ohio, entered the fight with the clear advantages in height, reach, and speed. He initially utilized a sharp jab, blurringly fast combinations, and debilitating body shots to effectively bank the early rounds. Had he chosen to maintain distance and employ pure boxing skills, he might have cruised to a wide, safe victory.
However, displaying a maturity beyond his years—and perhaps a desire to impress the Saudi Arabian audience—Mason repeatedly chose to engage in trench warfare. He willingly traded leather toe-to-toe with the granite-tough Noakes, transforming the contest into a sensational brawl.
This decision allowed Noakes, known for his relentless pressure and punishing power, to fight his preferred fight. The British challenger repeatedly dug in, unloading hard, thudding shots to both the body and head of the young American throughout the night. Noakes showed immense heart, proving his mettle by taking Mason's best shots while landing his own significant blows, particularly in the middle rounds.
Ultimately, it was Mason’s complete repertoire—combining surgical speed, heavy-handed power, and surprising granite toughness—that gave him the edge in the close rounds. While he didn't secure the knockout many expected, the hard-fought decision served as a significant litmus test for the 21-year-old’s durability and resolve.
The victory sees Mason improve his stellar record to 20 wins with 17 stoppages. For Noakes, who entered the ring with a flawless record, the defeat marks the first blemish on his professional career, dropping him to 17-1. Despite the loss, his courageous performance ensures he remains a highly respected and dangerous contender in the lightweight division.
Mason's success in conquering a genuine threat like Noakes solidifies his position as a legitimate star and signals the arrival of a major force in the ultra-competitive lightweight landscape.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Murat Gassiev Brutally Knocks Out Kubrat Pulev in Dubai
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 13 Dec 2025United States Air Force Paralegals: Law, Order, and Excellence
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 13 Dec 2025OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR PACHECO VS SADJO IN STOCKTON
Sat, 13 Dec 2025OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FROM TODAY'S CHM: 2 REMATCH SEASON CEREMONIAL WEIGH-INS IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
Sat, 13 Dec 2025Donaire to fight Tsutsumi on December 17 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Nesthy faces Indon legend
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Bob Santos Joins Broadcast Team for Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During WBA’s 104th Annual Convention
Sat, 13 Dec 2025Championship Bouts Set for the Bantam and Intermediate Division
Sat, 13 Dec 2025SEAG Triathlon, aquathlon, duathlon in Rayong
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Jeremy Marticio wins IIEE SIKAT, ICFF won PTC World Engineering Opening
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Facularin to fight Torres on December 13 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 12 Dec 2025Baricuatro wins, Veloso falters in SEAG boxing
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 12 Dec 2025BASH BOXING AND UP NEXT FIGHTING RETURN WITH SPECIAL EDITION UNF 29 TOMORROW NIGHT AT ACE · MISSION STUDIOS IN LOS ANGELES
Fri, 12 Dec 2025MERCADO AIMING TO SEND MESSAGE TO 140LB RIVALS
Fri, 12 Dec 2025Sullivan Management signs Influencer/pro boxer Brooklyn Barwick
Fri, 12 Dec 2025