At just 21 years old, Abdullah Mason didn’t just win a title — he rewrote the record books. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the southpaw from Cleveland, Ohio outpointed veteran Sam Noakes in a brutal, 12-round war at Ring IV: Night of ChampionsRiyadh to claim the vacant WBO lightweight title. The scores — 117-111, 115-113, 115-113 — didn’t reflect how close it was. This wasn’t a technical clinic. It was a war. And Mason, undefeated at 20-0 with 17 knockouts, just became boxing’s youngest male world champion in history.
An Unlikely Champion Emerges
Before this night, Mason had never gone past six rounds. His fights were fireworks — quick, explosive, and decisive. But Noakes, 28 and a seasoned 17-1 from Maidstone, Kent, had been there. He’d gone 12 rounds twice before. He knew how to survive, how to grind. And he came out swinging in Round 1, unloading hooks, trying to overwhelm the kid. But Mason didn’t panic. He adjusted. By Round 2, his jab was snapping like a whip. By Round 3, he’d stunned Noakes with a left uppercut that opened a nasty cut above the Englishman’s left eye — a result of an accidental head clash, not a clean punch. That cut became a focal point. It bled. It slowed Noakes. But it didn’t break him.
The War in the Middle Rounds
Round 4 belonged to Noakes. He caught Mason with a crisp counter right that made the crowd gasp. Round 5? Even better. A thunderous right hand buckled Mason for a full second. Commentators on the live broadcast were stunned. “I’m surprised Abdullah Mason took that shot,” one said. Noakes smelled blood. He pressed. He swarmed. But Mason, ever composed, reset. He didn’t try to match Noakes punch-for-punch. He used his reach. He worked the body. He kept the jab alive. By Round 6, he’d regained control. Noakes had the heart of a lion, but Mason had the brain of a veteran.
Round 7 and Beyond: A Battle of Will
Round 7 was Noakes’ last stand. He landed a brutal body shot that made Mason grimace. Followed by hooks to the head. The American staggered, but didn’t fall. Round 8, Mason started pressing. Round 9, he ate shots to land his own. Round 10, he targeted the ribs — the kind of punishment that steals breath, not just points. Then came Round 11. A slugfest. Both men traded haymakers. Mason sliced under Noakes’ eye again. Noakes landed a right that rocked Mason. The crowd was on its feet. Blood streaked both fighters’ faces. The ring looked like a crime scene. But when the bell rang, Mason was still moving forward. Noakes was exhausted. His legs were heavy. His hands were low. And Mason? He was still jabbing.
Why This Matters
Mason’s win isn’t just about a belt. It’s about a shift in boxing’s generational tide. At No. 6 on ESPN’s Top 25 Under 25, he was already a rising star. Now, he’s the standard-bearer. The youngest men’s world champion ever — surpassing even the likes of Wilfred Benítez and Manny Pacquiao at similar ages. He did it against a fighter who’d been in wars, who’d been through the fire. Noakes didn’t lose because he was outclassed. He lost because Mason refused to break.
Meanwhile, Noakes’ record now reads 17-1. That one loss? It came on the biggest stage, against the sport’s next icon. He gave everything. He left everything in the ring. But in boxing, sometimes heart isn’t enough. Sometimes, you need precision, timing, and the nerve to keep your composure when your face is bleeding and your body is screaming.
What’s Next for Mason?
The WBO has already signaled interest in a unification bout. The IBF champion, Jaron Ennis, is waiting. So is the WBC’s Josh Taylor. But Mason’s team isn’t rushing. They know the danger of overexposure. He’s been trained by veteran coach Terry Jenkins in Cleveland — a man who’s seen too many young stars burn out. The plan? One fight at a time. Build the legacy. Let the market catch up.
For now, Riyadh is buzzing. Saudi Arabia, still expanding its footprint in global boxing, hosted a fight that will be replayed for years. And a kid from Ohio, barely old enough to rent a car, just became the face of a new era.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Abdullah Mason, and why is his age significant?
Abdullah Mason is 21 years old, making him the youngest male boxer in history to win a recognized world title in any weight class. He surpasses Wilfred Benítez, who won his first title at 17 in 1976, by holding the crown in the modern era under unified sanctioning body standards. His youth, combined with his power and composure, marks a generational shift in boxing’s lightweight division.
What made Sam Noakes such a tough opponent for Mason?
Noakes brought 17 professional fights, 15 knockouts, and two previous 12-round battles to the ring. He was aggressive, durable, and had elite chin — surviving a brutal right hand from Mason in Round 5 that would’ve floored most fighters. His experience in high-pressure, bloody wars gave him an edge early, forcing Mason to adapt on the fly rather than rely on his knockout power.
How did the cut above Noakes’ eye affect the fight’s outcome?
The cut, caused by an accidental head clash in Round 3, bled heavily throughout the fight, impairing Noakes’ vision and forcing him to fight with one eye partially obscured. While it didn’t stop him from landing big shots, it made his defense less precise in later rounds, allowing Mason to land cleaner combinations — especially his signature left uppercut — as the fight wore on.
Why was this Mason’s first fight past six rounds?
Mason’s previous 19 fights ended before the seventh round — 17 by knockout. His team deliberately avoided long, grueling contests to preserve his durability and momentum. Facing Noakes, a proven 12-rounder, was a calculated risk. Winning it proved Mason’s stamina and tactical growth, not just his power — a crucial step for any aspiring champion.
What does this win mean for boxing in Saudi Arabia?
Riyadh’s hosting of the WBO title fight reinforces Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push to become a global hub for combat sports. With major events now regularly held in the Kingdom, including UFC and boxing cards, this win adds legitimacy to their investment. It also signals a shift: elite boxing is no longer confined to Las Vegas, London, or Manila — it’s global, and Saudi Arabia is betting big on being at the center of it.
Who are Mason’s potential next opponents?
The WBO has already flagged unification bouts with IBF champion Jaron Ennis and WBC titlist Josh Taylor as likely next steps. Ennis, known for his relentless pressure, would test Mason’s composure. Taylor, a former unified champion with elite technical skill, would challenge his adaptability. But Mason’s team may first pursue a mandatory defense against a top-ranked contender like Lorenzo Sotomayor to solidify his reign before pursuing unification.
