Noakes Vows To Shock Mason, Predicts Early KO In Riyadh

Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) says he has the potential to finish Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) in their 12-round fight for the vacant WBO lightweight title on November 22 at The Ring IV event at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Noakes, 28, is happy that Mason, a native of Bedford, Ohio, wants to turn it into a war because that style suits him and will allow him to drop his bombs. Mason, who has been promoted to the top rank, expects a stoppage within six rounds in their fight on the undercard on DAZN PPV. Sam disagrees with this prediction, but welcomes the attempt by Abdullah, 21.

Warning shot for Noakes

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

Mason’s fragile moments

Noakes clearly has enough power to knock out Mason, who has already proven to have a fragile chin in the past. Sam has enough power to take him down with both hands if Abdullah leaves himself open like he did in his fight with Johan Vazquez on November 8, 2024. That was a contest in which Mason was dropped twice in the first round.

The way Maysoon fell into the tree was alarming, as it showed that he was injured on both occasions. He was not extending his hands to prepare for his fall. It was wood. In terms of chin, Abdullah is not qualified to fight at the highest levels of the sport. He will still be fun to watch as long as Top Rank keeps him away from the big hitters.

When a fighter is repeatedly dropped by a second-tier opponent, it’s a red flag that they won’t reach the highest levels.

Mason’s chin test

“I had a big shock for him on November 22 because no way I was going to be knocked out before the sixth round,” Noakes told Queensbury, in response to being told that Mason expected to be knocked out before six rounds. “I think he’ll be sore after that. Good, he’s coming,” Noakes said when told that Abdullah said he had an appetite for smoking.

It would be a huge disappointment for Top Rank if Mason is fired by Noakes, as they are trying to turn him into a star at lightweight.