At simply 18 years outdated, Abdullah Mason (proper) already seems to be like the whole bundle. (Photograph by Mikey Williams/High Rank Inc by way of Getty Photos)
Unbeaten light-weight Abdullah Mason has impressively handed every check so far as a professional.
Though it’s nonetheless early in his profession, one has to surprise how proficient and profitable can Mason be as soon as he hits the height of his profession.
Mason will face late-sub Mike Ohan, Jr. Saturday night time at Centre Videotron in Quebec Metropolis, Canada. The eight-round bout might be a part of the High Rank undercard that may stream stay on ESPN+ (5 p.m. ET/ 2 p.m. PT).
High Rank’s Bob Arum believes Mason has not solely but hit his ceiling, however has the capability to turn into one of many all time nice fighters within the sport. The 20-year-old Mason (14-0, 12 knockouts), who resides in Cleveland, Ohio, has emerged as one of many firm’s stellar younger fighters after dominating and knocking out modest opposition so far.
“If you signal a child like that, you set him in his first struggle, you realize he seems to be actually good within the amateurs and he seems to be good within the health club,” Arum instructed The Ring in a latest interview. “However how will he carry out as soon as he’s an expert and combating all of those completely different fighters? And he’s surpassed something we (have) imagined. He’s an amazing fighter. He may very well be one of many all-time greats.
“I imply, that is early. Let’s see how he develops. However all of the elements are there. He’s definitely very proficient. He comes from a great household background. His father is a terrific man. All of the brothers are very supportive. So we now have excessive hopes that he’ll be a significant star within the years forward.”
The southpaw Mason final fought on July 6, scoring a formidable third-round knockout win over fringe contender Luis Lebron, who had entered the struggle having by no means been knocked out. Mason dropped Lebron a complete of thrice. In his earlier struggle on April 13, Mason dropped Ronal Ron a number of occasions earlier than ending issues in 4.
Mason has demonstrated devastating knockout energy, together with his February 8 struggle in opposition to Benjamin Gurment, scoring a highlight-reel knockout win in spherical two. Final yr, Mason fought 5 occasions.
The struggle in opposition to Ohan will mark his fourth of this yr. At Thursday’s press convention, Mason expressed his hope to, barring an damage, struggle no less than another time earlier than the tip of 2024.
Ohan (19-2, 9 KOs) has not fought since August 11 of final yr, when he defeated Harry Gigliotti by unanimous choice in Quincy, Massachusetts, now removed from his hometown of Holbrook. In his earlier struggle, which befell two months previous to the win over Gugliotti, Ohan defeated journeyman William Parra Smith by choice.
Ohan has received his final three fights since dropping by knockout to Delonte ‘Tiger’ Johnson in December 2022.
The Mason-Ohan struggle might be fought at a catchweight of 137 kilos.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has lined boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He may be reached at [email protected]
Observe @FSalazarBoxing
