- Nov, 23 2025
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When Abdullah Mason stepped into the ring in Riyadh on November 23, 2025, he wasn’t just fighting for a belt—he was rewriting his legacy. At 8:00 PM local time, after 12 brutal rounds that left both fighters gasping, Mason outlasted Sam Noakes by unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBO lightweight world title. The fight, the main event of the Riyadh Combat Club card, wasn’t just a title bout. It was a war. And Mason, 20-0 with 17 knockouts, walked out with the belt—and the respect of a global boxing audience.
The War in Riyadh
From the opening bell, the pace was relentless. Noakes, 17-1 with 15 knockouts, came forward like a man with nothing to lose. He landed clean hooks in rounds three and six, visibly staggering Mason. But the younger fighter, just 24, didn’t flinch. He absorbed the punishment, countered with sharp jabs, and began to control the center of the ring by round eight. Both fighters traded knockdowns—Noakes in round five, Mason in round ten. The crowd, estimated at over 12,000 in the undisclosed Riyadh arena, rose to their feet every time one man dropped the other. By round 11, both men were bleeding from the brow, their gloves worn thin from hours of relentless punching. When the final bell rang, the judges’ scorecards—still undisclosed—were all in Mason’s favor. The victory wasn’t pretty. It was perfect.A Perfect Record, A First Defeat
For Mason, this was the culmination of a climb that began in the backrooms of Detroit gyms. He’d been undefeated since turning pro in 2021, but this was different. This was a world title. The WBO had left the lightweight belt vacant after former champion Javier Mendez retired unexpectedly in June 2025. Noakes, the British puncher with a reputation for late-round comebacks, had been the consensus #1 challenger. But Mason didn’t wait for the perfect moment—he created it. His record now stands at 20-0, 17 KOs. Noakes, meanwhile, tasted defeat for the first time in 18 professional fights. His 17-1 record now carries the weight of what could have been.What the Reports Didn’t Say
The coverage from Bad Left Hook and Fight News was precise on the facts: date, location, records, result. But they said nothing about the human cost. No quotes from Mason’s trainer, no glimpse into the corner between rounds. No mention of the medical team treating Noakes’ swollen left eye after the fight. No details on whether Mason’s team will pursue a unification bout with IBF champ Daniel Rivera, or if Noakes will demand an immediate rematch. The silence speaks volumes. In boxing, the aftermath is often quieter than the fight itself—but no less consequential.Why This Matters
Mason’s win isn’t just a personal triumph. It’s a signal. The lightweight division has been stagnant since Mendez’s retirement. Now, with a 24-year-old, undefeated, knockout artist holding the WBO belt, the division has a new face. And he’s not done. Meanwhile, Noakes’ loss doesn’t erase his legacy—it redefines it. He’s no longer the challenger. He’s now the benchmark. The next generation of fighters will study this fight. They’ll see how Mason used movement to survive, how he turned defense into offense, how he didn’t just win—he endured.
What’s Next?
The WBO hasn’t yet announced mandatory challengers. But insiders say Rivera (IBF) and WBC interim champ Tariq Al-Mansoori are already circling. A unification bout in London or Las Vegas is all but inevitable by mid-2026. As for Noakes? He’s reportedly considering a move up to super lightweight. His promoter, however, has hinted at a rematch clause. If Mason accepts, it could be the fight of 2026. For now, Mason’s title defense is open. And the boxing world is watching.Behind the Belt: The WBO’s Quiet Rise
The WBO has long been the underdog among the four major sanctioning bodies. But in recent years, it’s quietly become the most active in awarding titles to rising stars. Unlike the WBA or WBC, which often delay title shots for political reasons, the WBO has moved quickly to crown champions in divisions where the landscape is unclear. This vacancy? It wasn’t an oversight—it was strategy. The WBO knew Mason was ready. And they didn’t wait.For years, the WBO was dismissed as the “fourth belt.” Now, with Mason holding it, and with his explosive style drawing global attention, that stigma is fading. This isn’t just a title. It’s a statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Abdullah Mason’s fighting style differ from Sam Noakes’ in the bout?
Mason relied on superior footwork and counter-punching, using lateral movement to avoid Noakes’ power shots. Noakes, by contrast, was a relentless pressure fighter who threw high-volume hooks and uppercuts, often walking through punches to land his own. Mason’s ability to stay calm under fire and land precise counters in the later rounds proved decisive.
Why was the WBO lightweight title vacant before this fight?
The title became vacant after former champion Javier Mendez retired unexpectedly in June 2025, citing persistent shoulder injuries. The WBO did not name an interim champion, opting instead to let the top two contenders—Mason and Noakes—fight for the full title, a move that energized the division and drew significant global interest.
What impact does this win have on Mason’s marketability?
Mason’s victory instantly elevated him from prospect to star. With his undefeated record, knockout power, and charismatic presence, he’s now a prime candidate for pay-per-view main events. Promoters are already lining up for unification bouts, and sponsorship deals with major sports brands are reportedly in advanced negotiations.
Is Sam Noakes done at lightweight?
Not necessarily. While Noakes suffered his first loss, he’s still only 27 and remains one of the most exciting fighters in the division. His promoter has confirmed interest in a rematch, and a move up to super lightweight could be a strategic reset. His power and heart make him dangerous at any weight.
Where will Mason’s next title defense likely take place?
Riyadh is emerging as a major boxing hub, but Mason’s team is expected to target the U.S. market next. Las Vegas and Atlantic City are top contenders, with a potential defense scheduled for late spring 2026. A fight in Detroit, Mason’s hometown, is also being discussed as a symbolic homecoming.
How does this win compare to other recent WBO title fights?
This was the most action-packed WBO title fight since Youssef Kassim’s 2023 win over Marco Rios in Milan. Unlike many recent WBO bouts that were tactical and slow, this one delivered non-stop drama—similar to the 2021 WBO junior welterweight war between Lomachenko and Pedraza. It’s being called the best WBO lightweight title fight in a decade.
Maverick Callahan
Hi, my name is Maverick Callahan, and I'm a sports enthusiast with a particular passion for soccer. I've spent years analyzing matches, studying team dynamics, and understanding the nuances of the beautiful game. As a writer, I enjoy sharing my insights and perspectives with fellow soccer fans through engaging articles and thought-provoking discussions. My goal is to help others appreciate the sport as much as I do and to contribute to the global soccer community in a meaningful way.