Abdullah Mason returns to the ring this weekend as he takes on Albert Bell.
Bell steps into the contest as a late replacement opponent for Mason after Joe Cordina was forced to withdraw due to visa issues.
Mason is the youngest reigning male world champion in boxing right now, and he looks to defend his belt for the first time.
He claimed the vacant WBO world title in November when he took on Sam Noakes in what was an absolute barnburner.
At 21 years old, he was put into awkward positions and showcased real grit to come out on top.
The three judges’ scorecards read: 115-113, 115-113 and 117-111.
After a camp preparing for ‘The Welsh Wizard’, he will have to adjust to a new test tomorrow night in Bell.
At 33 years old, the Ohio native will challenge for a world title for the first time in his 13-year professional career.
He has an impressive record of 28 wins, with nine coming by way of stoppage.
Bell was last in action in August when he defeated Keith Hunter over 10 rounds, winning every round on all three judges’ scorecards.
He claimed the vacant IBF International and North American Boxing Association lightweight titles.
Prediction: Mason should pick up his 18th stoppage in emphatic fashion. He will likely prove to be too skilled for the late replacement opponent.
Bruce Carrington vs Rene Palacios
There is more world title action on the card as ‘Shu Shu’ returns for the second time this year.
He featured on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson and picked up a statement victory.
He stopped Carlos Castro in the ninth round to claim the vacant WBC featherweight world title.
He defends that belt for the first time this weekend as he takes on Rene Palacios.
Both fighters are unbeaten heading into the contest, with Palacios having failed to win just once in his career after being held to a draw by Israel Gasparillo back in 2023.
‘Zurdo’ comes into the contest off the back of a split decision victory over Sulaiman Segawa in Maryland.
Prediction: Carrington will likely win a wide points decision over Palacios.
Remaining Undercard
Delante ‘Tiger’ Johnson is back in action in what should be his toughest test to date as he faces Christopher Guerrero.
Both men are unbeaten, with Johnson having boxed just 16 more rounds as a professional.
‘Tiger’ scored a crucial stoppage victory in his last bout, halting Nicklaus Flaz in the fourth round to claim the WBO NABO welterweight title.
He takes on Guerrero on DAZN and TNT. Guerrero has one more stoppage to his name and should prove to be a constant threat over 10 rounds.
Johnson should edge a points decision in what would be a statement win for his growing résumé.
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At lightweight, both Abdulrahman Mason and Deric Davis should pick up routine victories over Alvaro Huizar Cabral and Carlos Ramos.
Finally, Ibrahim Mason will likely extend his 100% stoppage ratio in his third professional fight as he takes on Erik Hanley in Cleveland, Ohio.
