🔥 Check out this insightful post from BBC Sport 📖
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Britain’s Sam Knox put in a bold performance but fell short in his bid to become world lightweight champion, losing on points to Abdullah Mason to capture the vacant WBO title in Saudi Arabia.
In an exciting and close competition between two undefeated stars, Noakes (28 years old) suffered a bloody left eye after a head collision in the third round, but he continued to advance and delivered powerful punches inward.
It was eye-catching uppercuts and long-range boxing from 21-year-old southpaw Mason that made the difference, as he upped the tempo in the second half.
Mason rocked Noakes in the 10th, but the Maidstone fighter hung on and fought valiantly until the final bell.
With scores of 117-111, 115-113, 115-113, American Mason achieved his twentieth professional victory and became the youngest male world champion.
Noakes was hoping to culminate his remarkable rise from supermarket, roofing and railway jobs to world champion.
He suffered the first defeat of his career after 17 straight wins, including 15 stoppages, but in a contender for the Fight of the Year title, he proved he belongs at the top level and will earn himself a fan base around the world.
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