In just two days, Riyadh’s ANB Arena is gonna host a clash that could redefine the lightweight division: undefeated phenom Abdullah Mason stepping into the fire against the relentless 17-0 Sam Noakes, all for the vacant WBO lightweight strap.

It’s a generational showdown between a 21-year-old American prodigy gunning to become boxing’s youngest current male world champ and a 28-year-old British knockout artist If you’re not marking your calendar, you’re missing the memo—this fight’s got the juice to launch a superstar or humble one.

Let’s break it down, fighter by fighter, because hype without homework is just hot air. 

Abdullah Mason:  “The Phenom”

At 19-0 with 17 knockouts, this Ohio native is a walking highlight reel. Standing 5’9″ with a sneaky 74-inch reach, Mason’s got the tools of a surgeon; god-like reflexes, blistering hand speed, and an aggressive offense that’s as strategic as it is savage. He’s only 21, folks, but he’s already dismantled prospects with a mix of sharp counters and body work that leaves opponents folding like cheap lawn chairs. 

His amateur days were a blur of dominance, and pro-wise, he’s been on a tear, stopping 89% of his foes before the bell. What sets Mason apart? That southpaw stance lets him slip punches, then unload combos. This is his first 12-rounder, sure, but against lesser competition, he’s looked untouchable—a raw talent polished by Top Rank’s machine. If boxing’s future is bright, Mason’s the damn supernova.

Sam Noakes:

This guy is called the Maidstone Golovkin for a reason, to pay homage to the man he built his style like , GGG, Gennady Golovkin . He is undefeated at 17-0 with a ridiculous 15 KOs. This 5’8″ orthodox brawler’s got the amateur pedigree—47-6 record, ABA titles, even a Haringey World Cup medal to back up his pro savagery. Noakes is a pressure fighter with a granite chin and hands heavy enough to renovate your jawline. His style? Forward-marching aggression, stalking opponents with hooks and uppercuts that’ve turned 88% of his victims into early showers. At 28, he’s the veteran in this tale, more mature in the ring than his wild KO celebrations suggest, always expecting the W but adapting when needed. Noakes thrives in the trenches, turning fights into wars of attrition. He’s called out Mason’s skill edge but swears he can hang with anyone.

So, what’s the tale of the tape here? Mason’s got the youth, speed, and reach to keep Noakes at bay early, picking him apart with those southpaw angles while Noakes presses forward like a man possessed. But here’s the rub: Noakes’ power could close the distance in rounds 4-6, turning this into a phone booth scrap where his volume and durability shine. Both are unbeaten knockout machines, so expect fireworks—maybe even a highlight-reel finish that has Twitter (or X) melting down. The questions are real: Can Mason handle the step-up to 12 rounds without gassing? Will Noakes’ aggression leave him open to counters?

My official pick:

Abdullah Mason by ninth round knockout. The Phenom weathers the early storm, uses his feet to frustrate Noakes’ advances, then carves him up with body shots and a vicious left that drops the Brit for the count. Mason’s too quick, too sharp— this is his coronation, not Noakes’ breakout. Mark it down; the WBO belt’s heading stateside.

Don’t sleep on this one. Tune in Saturday, November 22, starting around 12 PM ET, exclusively on DAZN PPV.  Grab your pass for about $59.99 (or £24.99 in the UK), and settle in for the 4 title fight main card headlined by Benavidez-Yarde. 

By Vincent 

Photo courtesy of Ring Magazine