Noakes vs. Mason: British Upstart Faces American Phenom for Vacant WBO Lightweight Title
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the boxing world turns to Riyadh as two undefeated forces collide for a title that could redefine the lightweight division: Sam Noakes, the gritty British pressure fighter, takes on Abdullah Mason, the lightning-quick American southpaw, for the vacant WBO lightweight world championship. The bout, headlining the undercard of Ring IV: Night of ChampionsRiyadh, airs exclusively on DAZN Pay-Per-View at 8:00 PM UTC — and it’s already being called one of the most explosive fights of the year.
A Clash of Styles, Not Just Nationalities
Noakes, 28, from Kent, has spent his entire 17-fight career in London, grinding out wins with relentless pressure and a punishing body attack. His last fight? A third-round KO of Patrik Balaz in May — his 15th knockout in 17 pro bouts. He’s been built slowly by Queensberry Promotions and Frank Warren, a classic British development story. But this? This is his first taste of global stakes.
Then there’s Mason. Just 21, but already a phenomenon. A Cleveland native trained under Top Rank, he’s 19-0 with 17 KOs, and he’s fought on three continents in 2025 alone. He knocked out veteran Jeremia Nakathila in June, and in November 2024, he was dropped twice in the first round against Yohan Vasquez — and still won by second-round TKO. That’s not just heart. That’s ice in the veins.
DAZN News analyst Matt Astbury put it bluntly: "With this fight bringing together two fan-friendly fighters who are not afraid to let their hands go, this has the potential to steal the show at Ring IV."
The Numbers Don’t Lie — But They Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Mason holds a statistical edge: younger, more international experience, better ring IQ, and a southpaw stance that disrupts conventional timing. His ability to control distance, counter with slicing hooks, and land clean in traffic makes him a nightmare for aggressive fighters — the exact kind Noakes is.
But here’s the twist: Noakes doesn’t need to outbox Mason. He needs to overwhelm him. When Mason is pinned against the ropes, when the ring shrinks, that’s when Noakes’ power becomes lethal. DAZN’s breakdown suggests a flash knockdown could come early if Noakes can force the pace and crowd him. It’s a high-risk, high-reward game — and Mason’s resilience in the Vasquez fight proves he’s no stranger to being in trouble.
"Noakes’ persistent pressure and punching power can lead to a flash knockdown of Mason," DAZN noted, "but only if he lets his hands go and drives up his punch count."
More Than a Title — A Career Catalyst
The winner doesn’t just get a belt. They get a ticket to the big leagues. Names like Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis loom large at 135 pounds, and both camps know it. A victory for Mason would cement him as the next American star, potentially setting up a super-fight with Davis in 2026. For Noakes? A win would make him Britain’s first lightweight world champion since Ricky Burns in 2012 — and the first under Warren’s banner in over a decade.
"The winner will immediately enter discussions for high-profile bouts," DAZN reported, "and could shape boxing’s immediate future through 2026."
The Bigger Picture: Ring IV as a Turning Point
This isn’t just a title fight. It’s part of a stacked card that includes David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde for the WBC light heavyweight crown, and Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez defending his super flyweight titles against Fernando Martinez. The event is a statement: Saudi Arabia is becoming a global boxing hub, and DAZN is betting big on international pay-per-view growth.
For fans, the cost is £24.99 or $59.99 for PPV access — or $199.99 for the DAZN Ultimate Tier, which includes Ring IV and at least 12 PPVs annually. That’s a lot to spend on one night… but if the fight delivers, it’ll be worth every penny.
What’s Next? The Road After Riyadh
If Mason wins, expect a mandatory defense against the WBO’s next top contender — possibly Shakur Stevenson, who’s been vocal about moving down to lightweight. A Noakes victory? The British press will demand a homecoming bout at Wembley Arena or the O2, and promoters will scramble to line up a rematch with Mason — or a showdown with Gervonta Davis if he moves up.
Either way, November 22 won’t just be a date on the calendar. It’ll be the day one man crossed from prospect to champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this fight so important for British boxing?
Sam Noakes would become Britain’s first WBO lightweight world champion since Ricky Burns in 2012, and the first under Frank Warren’s promotion in over a decade. A win would reignite interest in the UK’s lightweight scene, which has been overshadowed by middleweight and cruiserweight stars in recent years. It could also trigger a new wave of domestic talent chasing the 135lb title.
What makes Abdullah Mason such a dangerous opponent?
Mason combines elite southpaw technique with rare composure under pressure. He’s fought internationally three times in 2025, survived being knocked down twice in his last fight, and has 17 KOs in 19 bouts. His counterpunching, especially in close quarters, is among the best in the division — and his youth (21) means he’s still improving. He’s not just a puncher; he’s a strategist with knockout power.
How does the location affect the fighters?
Mason has fought outside the U.S. once before, while Noakes has never left the UK. Riyadh’s time zone (UTC+3) favors American fighters used to late-night East Coast bouts, and the neutral venue removes Noakes’ home crowd advantage. However, the lack of a British audience might actually help Mason avoid distractions — and Noakes must adapt to unfamiliar surroundings, which could impact his rhythm.
What’s the betting edge according to DAZN?
DAZN’s analysts gave Mason a 3-1 edge to win, citing his superior ring control, international experience, and knockout efficiency. But they also warned that Noakes’ pressure could produce an early flash knockdown. The fight is too close to call on paper — which is why it’s expected to be one of the most entertaining bouts on the card.
Who are the other major fights on the Ring IV card?
The main event features WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde. Also on the card: welterweight champ Brian Norman Jr. defends against Devin Haney, and Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez unifies his super flyweight titles against Fernando Martinez. It’s one of the deepest undercard lineups in recent memory.
Can either fighter challenge Gervonta Davis or Shakur Stevenson next?
Absolutely. The winner will be the logical next challenger for either Davis or Stevenson, both of whom operate at the top of the lightweight division. Davis has shown interest in unifying titles, and Stevenson has publicly said he wants to fight the best. Whoever wins in Riyadh won’t just be a champion — they’ll be the next name on every pay-per-view promoter’s shortlist for 2026.
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