Noakes Promises Shock Finish Against Abdullah Mason Tonight

Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) is amused that fans aren’t giving him any chance in his 12-round battle against Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) tonight for the vacant WBO lightweight title at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. He says people will be “shocked” by how the fight plays out.

KO Percentages Don’t Lie

The knockout artist Noakes is coming into the fight with an 88.24% KO rate, which is almost identical to the 21-year-old Mason’s 89.47%. This suggests someone is getting knocked out in this undercard clash on the David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde card.

Tonight’s Ring IV: Night of Champions on DAZN PPV broadcast begins at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.

Noakes Embraces the Doubt

“Nothing about this fight bothers me. Obviously, you’ve got the background noise in it. Everyone is saying I ain’t got a chance, but I know when I get in there on Saturday [night], everyone is going to be shocked,” said Sam Noakes to Boxing King Media about his fight tonight for the vacant WBO lightweight title against Abdullah Mason. “I’ve never been more up for a fight in my life.

Mason’s Streak Under Threat

The Top Rank-promoted Abdullah Mason has looked unstoppable in recent fights, knocking out his last eight opponents. The last fighter to go the distance against Mason was Cesar Villarraga in 2023. He went six rounds, losing a wide unanimous decision by the scores 60-54, 60-54, and 60-54. Mason can box if he’s unable to dominate with his power.

Noakes is going to have to put it on Abdullah, looking to overpower him with right hands. The Bedford, Ohio native’s chin is his weak spot, as he’s been hurt in the past. He leaves himself open by focusing on aggressive fighting, looking to KO all his opponents. Mason doesn’t have the same chin as Noakes, so the style he uses could factor into tonight’s bout.

Noakes’ Middleweight Punch

“From the outside, everything looks easy,” said Noakes about fighters underestimating his power, but then they are surprised when they get in the ring with him. “You don’t know until you get in there. I feel like everyone is going to see that playing out on Saturday.”

Noakes punches like a middleweight in a lightweight’s body. That makes him formidable against anyone, particularly fighters who can’t take a shot without nosediving to the canvas. If Noakes can handle Mason’s power, he’s got an excellent chance of knocking him out in this fight. He’ll have 12 rounds to land his bombs on Abdullah, who isn’t the hardest guy to hit.