Abdullah Mason impresses in Riyadh with precise counter-boxing, breaking Sam Noakes’ winning streak and crowning himself the youngest active WBO lightweight world champion at the age of just 21.
The American southpaw Abdullah Mason has made boxing history: With a unanimous points victory over Englishman Sam Noakes in the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 21-year-old secured his first WBO lightweight world title – making him the youngest active world champion in professional boxing.
Mason (20-0, 17 knockouts) deservedly prevailed after twelve fast-paced rounds. The official scorecards read 115-113, 117-111 and 115-113. For Noakes (17-1, 15 knockouts), the defeat meant his first career loss after a previously unblemished record.
Mason put down a dangerous marker as early as round three when he caught Noakes with a hard left to the head and caused the Brit a significant injury above the eye. Mason kept attacking the body, while Noakes fought his way back into the fight with great morale and was able to land punches of his own towards the end of the round.
Despite the bruised eye, Noakes bit his way into the fight and landed several strong right hands in rounds four, five and especially seven. However, Mason’s precise counter-boxing always brought him the better scenes and the youngster ended the seventh round with pressure – head and body shots included, accompanied by verbal provocations with which he wanted to break Noakes mentally.
In rounds eight to ten, Mason finally took control. The blood continued to drain from Noakes’ injury and in round ten the Englishman was again badly wobbled when a right straight pushed him into the ropes. Noakes showed heart again in the eleventh round, landing a good combination, but Mason immediately responded with a blistering attack, leaving no doubt as to who was the stronger man in the ring.