At simply 18 years outdated, Abdullah Mason (proper) already seems to be like the entire bundle. (Photograph by Mikey Williams/Prime 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 gifted and profitable can Mason be as soon as he hits the height of his profession.
Mason will face late-sub Mike Ohan, Jr. Saturday evening at Centre Videotron in Quebec Metropolis, Canada. The eight-round bout will likely be a part of the Prime Rank undercard that can stream dwell on ESPN+ (5 p.m. ET/ 2 p.m. PT).
Prime 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.
“Once you signal a child like that, you set him in his first battle, you understand he seems to be actually good within the amateurs and he seems to be good within the fitness center,” Arum instructed The Ring in a current interview. “However how will he carry out as soon as he’s knowledgeable and preventing all of those completely different fighters? And he’s surpassed something we (have) imagined. He’s an incredible 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 substances are there. He’s actually very gifted. He comes from a superb household background. His father is a terrific man. All of the brothers are very supportive. So we have now excessive hopes that he’ll be a significant star within the years forward.”
The southpaw Mason final fought on July 6, scoring a powerful third-round knockout win over fringe contender Luis Lebron, who had entered the battle having by no means been knocked out. Mason dropped Lebron a complete of thrice. In his earlier battle on April 13, Mason dropped Ronal Ron a number of instances earlier than ending issues in 4.
Mason has demonstrated devastating knockout energy, together with his February 8 battle towards Benjamin Gurment, scoring a highlight-reel knockout win in spherical two. Final yr, Mason fought 5 instances.
The battle towards Ohan will mark his fourth of this yr. At Thursday’s press convention, Mason expressed his hope to, barring an damage, battle at the least 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 battle, which passed off two months previous to the win over Gugliotti, Ohan defeated journeyman William Parra Smith by choice.
Ohan has gained his final three fights since dropping by knockout to Delonte ‘Tiger’ Johnson in December 2022.
The Mason-Ohan battle will likely 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]
