A dramatic weekend in boxing has seen Keyshawn Davis stripped of his world title opportunity. Consequently, attention is now turning towards an anticipated clash between Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes, potentially to crown a new WBO lightweight world champion.
Davis, holding a 13-0 record with 9 knockouts, was scheduled to defend his 135lb belt for the first time against Edwin De Los Santos on Saturday night. However, he failed to make weight by over four pounds, resulting in the main event being cancelled in front of his hometown fans in Norfolk, Virginia.
Stepping up to headline the event instead was WBO #2 ranked contender Mason, who boasts an impressive 19-0 record with 17 knockouts. The Cleveland native delivered a stellar performance, securing a fifth-round stoppage victory over Jeremia Nakathila, further cementing his status as one of America`s most promising talents.
Reports are circulating that the WBO is likely to order Mason to face the UK`s Sam Noakes, 17-0 (15 KOs), for the vacant championship. Speaking after his recent win, Mason expressed his strong desire to fight for a world title next, ideally on home soil.
“That is what we are going to do next, [fight for the world title],” Mason stated. “We had to get Nakathila out of the way first, now we are about to head into the back and see what we can make happen. Hopefully, that [main event in Cleveland] is in the works too for [my] next [fight]. Everything is unfolding at its proper time, so right now is the first step to a lot of greatness, inshallah.”
Mason also conveyed his respect for the unbeaten British fighter, who holds the #1 position in the WBO rankings, acknowledging Noakes` aggressive approach and welcoming the potential bout.
“[My message to Sam Noakes is] let’s make it happen, let’s have a great fight. That would be amazing, it’s something that people definitely want to see.
“I feel like Sam Noakes is definitely a worthy opponent, he lets his hands go and he is very offensive as well. So that would be something amazing.”
Meanwhile, Noakes` promoter, Frank Warren, has publicly stated his intention for the 27-year-old Maidstone fighter to challenge for world honours in his next outing, indicating clear ambition for the WBO title opportunity.
Both camps now await an official directive from the WBO. An announcement regarding their decision is anticipated soon, suggesting that Mason and Noakes could collide in a significant championship contest before the end of the year.
