Boxing’s current youngest world champion Abdullah Mason retained his WBO lightweight title last night following a bruising encounter against Britain’s Sam Noaks.
The 21 year old from the USA showed maturity beyond his years facing his toughest test to date against the 28 year old from Maidstone in front of a sold out ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
From the start, Mason’s shroud shot selection and sharp footwork set the tone of the match.
Noakes fighting for his first world title gave a stern challenge to the young champion, closing the distance and throwing thudding shots, refusing to give up an inch.
Noakes came out worse half-way through in a forth round head clash between the two, but after the referee conferred with the ringside doctor, he decided Noakes was fit to carry on.
That clash spurred the fighters into another level and the fixture took on a life of its own with both of them throwing everything they had at each other and putting their undefeated records on the line.
However, Mason’s maturity in the championship rounds (last three rounds) proved decisive.
He was able to exploit Noakes’ more laboured punches due to tiredness from his competitor and this tactic was enough to seal him the victory.
For Noakes, the defeat was saddening but the performance gained him plaudits from the commentary panel and fans a like. He proved himself worthy of elite level competition.
For Mason, the victory marks a turning point – expect his name to rise rapidly in the lightweight division.
