Rising light-weight star Abdullah Mason retains successful (Picture by Mikey Williams/High Rank)
Unbeaten light-weight prospect Abdullah Mason is turning into must-see TV.
Mason will face Luis Lebron on Saturday night time on the Prudential Middle in Newark, New Jersey. The eight-round bout will open the four-bout High Rank on ESPN telecast (8:30 p.m. ET/ 5:30 p.m. PT).
The 20-year-old phenom has impressed with every outing since making his professional debut with High Rank in November 2021. Whether or not it’s touchdown vicious three or four-punch combos or highlight-reel knockouts, Mason has generated buzz in every outing.
High Rank’s Brad Goodman, stated to be probably the greatest matchmaker in boxing with an uncanny and extraordinary eye for expertise, believes the sky’s the restrict for Mason.
“He could also be a younger child, however what has stood out about Abdullah is his ring generalship and IQ,” Goodman informed The Ring on Tuesday afternoon. “For a younger child, he’s excellent in every little thing, from an offensive or defensive perspective. If there’s one minor factor he lacks, it’s his protection. As a result of he turns into so offensive-minded that he will get hit for being careless. I believe it’s one thing his father and brothers can repair.
“With the opponent (Lebron) he’s going through Saturday, you’re in all probability going to see Abdullah taking much less initiative offensively and be extra defensive.”
In his final bout on April 13, Mason (13-0, 11 knockouts), dropped Ronal Ron a number of instances earlier than ending issues within the fourth spherical. In his earlier combat on February 8, the southpaw scored a vicious knockout win over Benjamin Gurment.
Goodman has seen gifted fighters since working at High Rank in 1983. So far as Mason and his expertise set, Goodman gave excessive reward to the 20-year-old.
“Once I first noticed him (within the amateurs), he was combating (welterweight prospect) Joel Iriarte,” stated Goodman. “I believe very extremely of Joel. At the moment, he jogged my memory of Antonio Margarito. Watching Abdullah, at that age, he was spectacular. He jogged my memory of Shakur (Stevenson) when he made his professional debut. I believe Abdullah is a greater puncher and Shakur is best defensively. Watching these youngsters, it was one thing particular.
“Abdullah may be very (Terence) Crawford-like in some ways. He has a relaxed demeanor earlier than a combat. As soon as the bell rings, he turns into very vicious. He’s an excellent finisher. He doesn’t let up.”
Lebron (20-5, 13 KOs), who resides in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has received his final two fights since a choice loss to unbeaten Duke Ragan. Previous to the loss to Ragan, Lebron, who has by no means been knocked out, misplaced back-to-back fights to Christian Tapia and Henry Lebron.
Goodman is keen to see Mason’s progress Saturday night time.
“There’s rather a lot to love about Abdullah. I choose to gradual it down a bit so far as degree of opponents, however his Dad is assured Abdullah is able to face top-10 guys and combat them in 10-round fights.
“Lebron is a good fighter, now combating at 135 kilos. He has a ton of expertise and a very good chin. Abdullah can punch. Saturday goes to inform us rather a lot about the place Abdullah is at.”
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]
Comply with @FSalazarBoxing
