WBO President Announces The Two Contenders To Fight For Vacant WBO Lightweight Title originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After Keyshawn Davis missed weight by 4.3 pounds, the boxer was stripped of his WBO title.
He was supposed to defend against Edwin de Los Santos at his hometown in Norfolk, Virginia’s Scope Arena.
Due to this development, the lightweight title became vacant, and therefore, the WBO had to choose suitable opponents to occupy that space.
This left the WBO with no other choice but to officially order a contest between Sam Noakes and Abdullah Mason to occupy the vacant lightweight title.
Gustavo Olivieri, president of the World Boxing Organization, went on his X account to share the development:
“Re: WBO Lightweight Division
WBO Championships Committee has ordered negotiations between #1 Sam Noakes & #2 Abdullah Mason, for the vacant WBO lightweight Title.
The official negotiation order shall be notified & published shortly. Parties have 20 days to reach an agreement. #WBO,” posted Gustavo Olivieri on his X account.
Abdullah Mason (21 years old) has been on a good trajectory as he was recently posted on the list of young and hungry fighters that Turki Alalshikh would like to feature on the Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford undercard to make the show that will be aired on Netflix a night filled with good young prospects.
Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs) is no stranger to praise from the WBO president, as he received the same praise in a recent post on the WBO president’s X account before this opportunity came knocking.
“Abdullah Mason looks better every time out; sharper, smarter, more dangerous. He’s evolving into a serious force… En route to a world #WBO world lightweight title,” posted Gustavo Olivieri.
His opponent, Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs), is currently ranked at No. 9 by the Ring, just one place above Abdullah Mason. At 27 years old, he currently holds the British and Commonwealth lightweight title.
This title fight would be a good addition to the Canelo-Crawford card set for September 13th in Las Vegas.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.