Briton Sam Noakes gave it his all in a tough match for the lightweight world title but lost on points to Abdullah Mason in Saudi Arabia. This fight was not just a title bout; it showcased two rising stars in boxing.
At 28 years old, Noakes faced a challenge when a head clash left him with a bloodied left eye in the third round. Despite this setback, he remained determined, landing solid punches and pushing forward. However, Mason, only 21, stood out with his quick uppercuts and effective long-range strategies, taking control in the second half of the match.
In the 10th round, Mason sent Noakes reeling but the Maidstone fighter showed grit and strength, fighting back until the final bell rang. The judges gave Mason the win with scores of 117-111, 115-113, and 115-113. This victory marks Mason’s 20th win, making him the youngest male world champion currently holding a title.
Noakes had an inspiring journey, rising from various jobs in supermarkets, roofing, and the railway to reach this pivotal fight. Unfortunately, he faced his first defeat after 17 wins, which included 15 by knockout. Nevertheless, this match proved he deserves to be in the ring with the best and likely gained him fans worldwide.
Meanwhile, earlier on the same night, Devin Haney achieved a milestone by becoming a three-weight champion, defeating Brian Norman Jr. to grab the WBO welterweight title. Haney’s performance was impressive, as he knocked down Norman in the second round and maintained control throughout.
In another exciting match, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez knocked out Fernando Martinez in the 10th round, adding the WBA title to his already impressive collection of WBO and WBC belts.
Events like these highlight the ongoing evolution in boxing. According to a recent study by the Boxing Association, more young fighters are stepping into the ring, driven by the popularity of the sport on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This trend not only keeps boxing fresh but also appeals to a younger audience, showing that new talent constantly emerges in the fight world.
For a further look into the landscape of boxing and its rising stars, you can check out reputable sources like the BBC.
