Noakes Vows To Shock Mason, Predicts Early KO In Riyadh

Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) says he’s got the power to end Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) in their 12-round battle for the vacant WBO lightweight title on November 22nd on The Ring IV event at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Noakes, 28, is glad that the Bedford, Ohio native, Mason, wants to make it a war because that style fits him and will allow him to land his bombs. The Top Rank-promoted Mason is predicting a stoppage inside six rounds in their undercard fight on DAZN PPV. Sam disagrees with that prediction, but he welcomes Abdullah, 21, to try.

Noakes’ Warning Shot

“On paper, it’s going to be one of the best fights of the year,” said Sam Noakes to Fight Hub TV about his clash against Abdullah Mason on November 22nd. “Yes, I do,” said Noakes when asked if he had the power to stop Mason. “No, I don’t think it’ll go 12. I think it’s a good fight, and obviously.”

Mason’s Fragile Moments

Obviously, Noakes has enough power to knock out Mason, who has already proven to have a fragile chin in the past. Sam has enough power to knock him out with either hand if Abdullah leaves himself open like he did in his fight with Yohan Vasquez on November 8, 2024. That was a contest in which Mason was knocked down twice in the first round.

The way Mason fell in a tree-falling manner was disturbing, as he showed that he was hurt in both instances. He wasn’t putting his hands out to brace his fall. It was timber. Chin-wise, Abdullah isn’t cut out for fighting at the highest levels of the sport. He’ll still be fun to watch as long as Top Rank keeps him away from the big punchers.

When a fighter is already getting repeatedly dropped against second-tier opposition, it’s a red flag that they’re not going to make it at the highest levels.

Testing Mason’s Chin

“I’ve got a big shock for him on November 22nd because I won’t be going out before the sixth, no way,” said Noakes to Queensberry, reacting to being told that Mason is predicting a knockout before six rounds. “I think he’ll be sore afterwards. Good, it’s coming. He better be hungry,” said Noakes when told that Abdullah said he’s got an appetite for smoke.’

It’s going to be a big letdown to Top Rank if Mason gets knocked out by Noakes, as they’re trying to build him up into a star at lightweight.