Abdullah Mason, an unbeaten light-weight contender, says he’ll be able to problem for a world title subsequent yr at 135 in opposition to anybody within the division.
The 20-year-old unbeaten Mason (13-0, 11 KOs) fights this Saturday, July sixth, in opposition to Luis Lebron (20-5-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round contest on the televised portion of the cardboard on ESPN on the Prudential Heart in Newark, New Jersey.
Mason is combating on the undercard of WBC light-weight champion Shakur Stevenson’s title protection in opposition to Artem Harutyunyan. Concerning leisure worth, Mason’s struggle in opposition to Lebron ought to be extra thrilling for followers than the primary occasion between Shakur and Harutyunyan.
Lebron has by no means been knocked out in his profession, and it will say quite a bit about Mason’s expertise if he could possibly be the primary to cease the Puerto Rican slugger on Saturday night time.
Prime Rank promoter Bob Arum hasn’t stated how lengthy it’ll be earlier than Mason is a headliner on his playing cards, nevertheless it ought to occur quickly as soon as he begins matching him in opposition to extremely ranked contenders.
There’s a risk that Mason shall be prevented like Shakur is at light-weight however for a unique motive. Fighters gained’t need to struggle Mason because of the excessive danger and low reward of dealing with the large puncher.
“Yeah, for positive,” stated Abdullah Mason to Fighthype when requested if he sees himself combating 5 occasions in 2024. “I’m undecided [how long he can continue fighting this frequently]. Each time I step in there, the competitors is stepping up as nicely.”
It could be attention-grabbing if Arum matched Mason in opposition to former unified light-weight champion George Kambosos Jr. to see how nicely he performs in opposition to him. Kambosos could be an excellent check for Mason and a very good gauge of how he’s progressing.
“Some fighters you want a bit extra time to organize for, however we’re ensuring we’re busy, and we’re ensuring we’re not lax or something like that. So, we simply focus,” stated Mason.
“Hopefully subsequent yr,” stated Mason when requested when he believes he’ll get a title shot at light-weight. “We’re taking our time, however we’re staying targeted. We’re consistently rising and inching nearer and nearer. So, hopefully, someday subsequent yr, we’ll be prepared for that.”
Mason seems to be able to tackle Shakur for his WBC belt and spear him together with his pinpoint photographs. Shakur has been complaining about not getting anybody to struggle him, however Mason shall be able to step up in opposition to the defensive artist.
“I consider they see what I see. I consider I’m the very best on the market arising. So, I consider the individuals see what I see. If I’m being slept on, I’m going to show to the individuals. Anyone in my division is a possible opponent for me,” stated Abdullah Mason.
Nobody is doubling Mason’s expertise stage within the division. However he gained’t be on the followers’ radar till Prime Rank matches him in opposition to higher opposition and places him in both the headliner or the co-feature as a substitute of protecting him within the decrease spots on their playing cards.
“We’re simply targeted and prepared. There are not any particular names I need to name out proper now, however when you get to the highest, you must be prepared for anyone. I’m inching my manner up there, and as soon as I get there, I’ll be prepared for anyone,” stated Mason.
“That’s his opinion. I see I’m a rising star out of Prime Rank, and if that’s what he sees, that’s what he sees,” stated Mason about Teofimo Lopez, saying he’s the final star for Prime Rank.
WBO gentle welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez appeared rattled when he commented on viewing himself because the final star for Prime Rank.
Teofimo had simply struggled to beat fringe contender Steve Claggett of their struggle on June twenty ninth, and he wasn’t about to acknowledge the presence of the gifted younger contender like Abdullah Mason arising the ranks.
