Abdullah Mason, an unbeaten light-weight contender, says he’ll be able to problem for a world title subsequent yr at 135 towards anybody within the division.
The 20-year-old unbeaten Mason (13-0, 11 KOs) fights this Saturday, July sixth, towards 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 towards Artem Harutyunyan. Concerning leisure worth, Mason’s battle towards Lebron needs to be extra thrilling for followers than the principle occasion between Shakur and Harutyunyan.
Lebron has by no means been knocked out in his profession, and it could say loads about Mason’s expertise if he could possibly be the primary to cease the Puerto Rican slugger on Saturday night time.
High Rank promoter Bob Arum hasn’t mentioned how lengthy it’ll be earlier than Mason is a headliner on his playing cards, however it ought to occur quickly as soon as he begins matching him towards extremely ranked contenders.
There’s a chance that Mason will probably be prevented like Shakur is at light-weight however for a distinct purpose. Fighters received’t need to battle Mason because of the excessive danger and low reward of dealing with the massive puncher.
“Yeah, for certain,” mentioned Abdullah Mason to Fighthype when requested if he sees himself combating 5 instances in 2024. “I’m unsure [how long he can continue fighting this frequently]. Each time I step in there, the competitors is stepping up as properly.”
It will be attention-grabbing if Arum matched Mason towards former unified light-weight champion George Kambosos Jr. to see how properly he performs towards him. Kambosos could be an excellent check for Mason and a very good gauge of how he’s progressing.
“Some fighters you want somewhat 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,” mentioned Mason.
“Hopefully subsequent yr,” mentioned 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 always rising and inching nearer and nearer. So, hopefully, someday subsequent yr, we’ll be prepared for that.”
Mason appears 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 battle him, however Mason will probably be able to step up towards the defensive artist.
“I consider they see what I see. I consider I’m the perfect on the market developing. 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,” mentioned Abdullah Mason.
Nobody is doubling Mason’s expertise degree within the division. However he received’t be on the followers’ radar till High Rank matches him towards higher opposition and places him in both the headliner or the co-feature as an alternative of conserving 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 means up there, and as soon as I get there, I’ll be prepared for anyone,” mentioned Mason.
“That’s his opinion. I see I’m a rising star out of High Rank, and if that’s what he sees, that’s what he sees,” mentioned Mason about Teofimo Lopez, saying he’s the final star for High Rank.
WBO mild welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez appeared rattled when he commented on viewing himself because the final star for High Rank.
Teofimo had simply struggled to beat fringe contender Steve Claggett of their battle on June twenty ninth, and he wasn’t about to acknowledge the presence of the proficient younger contender like Abdullah Mason developing the ranks.
