Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) and Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) have been ordered by the WBO to start negotiations for the vacant light-weight title with their organizations. They’ve 20 days to bang out a deal.
Mason vs. Noakes: WBO Title
It’s a fast world title alternative for the 21-year-old Mason, who has been a professional for less than 4 years. His finest wins have come in opposition to Jeremia Nakathia, 35, and lower-tier fighter Yohan Vasquez. Noakes’ solely notable win got here againt 39-year-old Ryan Walsh.
As such, Noakes and Abdullah haven’t crushed the form of opposition that makes them worthy to struggle for the vacant WBO light-weight title, however they’ll be doing it nonetheless as a result of group’s rankings.
The 2 will struggle for the WBO belt that was stripped from champion Keyshawn Davis final Friday for blowing the burden for a title protection in opposition to Edwin De Los Santos. Mason is ranked #2, and Noakes #1.
WBO Rankings Dictate Struggle
It’s not the struggle that U.S followers wished to see for Abdullah, however the WBO is following their rankings, and Noakes is technically the highest contender of their rankings. There are arguably numerous higher fighters than Sam within the rankings.
Mason has already stated he’s keen to journey to England to struggle Noakes in his house nation, if that’s the place negotiations in the end lead. Noakes’ promoter must put him in the perfect place potential for him to have a shot at profitable.
With out the house benefit, Sam stands no probability of beating Mason. He’s too vast open defensively, sluggish on his ft, and has very restricted expertise.
The way in which Noakes regarded in opposition to 39-year-old Ryan Walsh in his final struggle, he’d lose to Mason’s previous opponents, Nakathila and Yohan Vasquez. That’s not a criticism of Noakes. It’s extra concerning the WBO selecting to provide a inexperienced fighter with out expertise a #1 rating with their group.
Vacant Light-weight Title Ordered
The street to the WBO Light-weight Title begins. 🥊
#1 Sam Noakes and #2 Abdullah Mason have 20 days to succeed in a deal. Negotiations are formally underway.#WBO #LightweightDivision #NewEra pic.twitter.com/qnjoUt2gRi
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) June 12, 2025
