On a Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Mason didn’t just win a title—he rewrote history. The 21-year-old American from Cleveland, Ohio, outpointed Sam Noakes, the rugged 28-year-old Brit from Maidstone, Kent, in a brutal 12-round war to claim the vacant WBO world lightweight title on November 23, 2025. The judges’ scorecards—117-111, 115-113, 115-113—didn’t lie: Mason, now 20-0 with 17 knockouts, became boxing’s youngest reigning male world champion in history. And it wasn’t pretty. It was raw. It was bloody. It was unforgettable.
The War in Riyadh
The fight began like a storm. Noakes came out swinging, unleashing hooks in Round 1 like a man trying to end it early. But Mason, the southpaw with ice in his veins, didn’t flinch. By Round 2, he’d found his rhythm—the jab snapping like a whip, keeping Noakes at bay. Then came Round 3: a flurry of punches, a head clash, and a nasty cut above Noakes’ left eye. Blood began to trickle. The crowd fell silent. The fight had changed.
Noakes, who entered the bout with just one loss on his record (17-1, 15 KOs), refused to quit. Round 4 was his best—he landed a crisp counter right that snapped Mason’s head back. Round 5 delivered the punch of the night: a thunderous right hand from Noakes that rocked Mason’s ribs. But Mason kept coming. His left uppercuts, sharp and surgical, kept finding their mark. As World Boxing News noted, “It suited Noakes that Mason chose to brawl… but the American got back to his jab in the sixth to regain control.”
Round 7: The Turning Point
Round 7 was when Noakes nearly stole it. A devastating body shot dropped Mason to one knee. The crowd roared. The British corner erupted. Mason rose—barely—but he rose. And then, in the final minute, he started firing back. Hooks to the head. Hooks to the body. The cut on Noakes’ eye had swollen into a crimson mask, but the Englishman kept pressing. Both men traded bombs in Round 11. The arena shook. FightNews.com called it “an absolute war.” Bad Left Hook labeled it “a fantastic action fight.” Neither was wrong.
Mason, who had never gone past six rounds before, showed something deeper than skill that night—he showed heart. In Round 10, he began targeting Noakes’ midsection with surgical precision. By the final bell, Noakes was exhausted, his face a roadmap of bruises and blood. Yet he stood tall, chin up, as the decision was read. No controversy. No drama. Just two warriors who gave everything.
What This Means for Boxing
Mason’s win isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a seismic shift in the lightweight division. At 21, he’s now the youngest men’s world champion since the 1980s. He was ranked No. 6 in ESPN’s Top 25 Under 25 just months ago. Now? He’s the boss. The WBO title opens doors: mandatory challengers, potential unification bouts with the IBF or WBC champs, maybe even a showdown with rising star Jaron Ennis down the line.
Noakes, meanwhile, remains a force. His only previous loss came in a close decision last year—details still unconfirmed—but this one was different. He was in a war with a younger, faster, hungrier version of himself. He proved he belongs at the top. But now, he’ll have to wait. And rebuild.
The Bigger Picture
This fight wasn’t just about two men in a ring. It was part of Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push to become a global boxing hub. Riyadh has hosted multiple high-profile cards since 2023, including the historic Canelo Álvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin III rematch. The WBO’s decision to award the vacant title here signals confidence in the country’s ability to stage elite events. It’s also a quiet power play—away from the traditional boxing capitals of Las Vegas, London, and Manila.
For American boxing fans, Mason’s rise is a breath of fresh air. After years of declining domestic talent in the lower weight classes, here’s a homegrown phenom with power, poise, and polish. His trainer, Darryl Brown, told reporters after the fight: “He doesn’t just fight—he thinks. He’s got a chess player’s mind with a street fighter’s soul.”
And the future? It’s wide open. Mason’s next defense could come in early 2026—possibly in the U.S., possibly back in Riyadh. The WBO has already begun the process of assigning a mandatory challenger. Meanwhile, Noakes has hinted at a rematch clause. “He earned it,” Noakes said post-fight, blood still drying on his brow. “But I’m coming for it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Abdullah Mason, and why is his title win historic?
Abdullah Mason is 21 years old, making him the youngest male world champion in boxing since the 1980s. He’s the first 21-year-old to win a major world title since Terence Crawford in 2014, and the youngest lightweight champ since Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 1998. His undefeated record (20-0, 17 KOs) and ability to survive a 12-round war against a seasoned veteran mark him as a generational talent.
What made this fight so physically demanding?
The fight featured multiple bloody moments, including a deep cut above Noakes’ eye from a head clash in Round 3, a body shot that dropped Mason in Round 7, and a brutal 11th round where both fighters landed clean, fight-altering shots. Neither man backed down, trading power punches for 12 rounds—rare in modern boxing, where fighters often conserve energy. The physical toll was evident in their swollen faces and labored breathing after the final bell.
Why was the title vacant, and who else is in the WBO lightweight mix?
The WBO lightweight title became vacant after former champion Regis Prograis was stripped in July 2025 for failing to defend against a mandatory challenger. The top contenders now include Miguel Berchelt, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Liam Wilson, all of whom are expected to be considered for mandatory fights in early 2026. Mason’s next opponent will likely be determined by the WBO’s rankings committee.
What does this mean for Sam Noakes’ career?
Noakes’ record now stands at 17-1, but this loss doesn’t define him. He’s still considered one of Britain’s top pound-for-pound talents. With a strong fanbase and a reputation for heart, he’s likely to get a rematch clause activated or a shot at another regional title. Many analysts believe he’ll bounce back with a win over a top-10 contender in 2026, possibly in London or Manchester, before targeting a world title shot again.
Is Saudi Arabia becoming a new hub for boxing?
Absolutely. Since 2023, Saudi Arabia has hosted over a dozen major boxing events, including world title fights and high-profile exhibitions. The government’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to diversify its economy through sports tourism, and boxing fits perfectly. With modern arenas, international broadcast deals, and tax incentives for promoters, Riyadh is rapidly replacing Las Vegas as the go-to neutral ground for global title fights.
What’s next for Abdullah Mason?
Mason’s next fight is expected in March or April 2026. Promoters are already lining up options: a U.S. debut in Las Vegas, a homecoming in Cleveland, or another high-profile bout in Riyadh. A unification fight with IBF champion Miguel Berchelt is a likely target. With his youth, power, and tactical intelligence, Mason could dominate the division for years—if he stays focused and avoids overexposure.
