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.
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