Albert Bell new opponent for Abdullah Mason July 4th
WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason will now face Albert Bell in his first defense of the title on July 4th at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Mason’s original opponent Joe Cordina was forced to withdraw due to a visa issue.
Bell (28-0, 9 KOs) is currently the WBO No. 6-ranked contender who is a native of Toledo, Ohio. He has been a contender in the super featherweight division before moving up to lightweight in 2025, and defeated Keith Hunter in his last bout back in August. He was scheduled to face Andy Cruz in an IBF eliminator on July 18th, but when this opportunity came up for him there was no way that he was going to turn it down.
“When the opportunity was presented, I said yes,” Bell said. “If you know my story, it’s been a long road.”
Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) has been one of the most exciting young fighters in the sport, climbing up the lightweight rankings at an alarming rate. He had five fights in 2024, then in 2025 scored three knockout wins before facing Sam Noakes for the WBO title in Riyadh. Mason won that bout by decision to become the youngest champion in boxing and now looks to make his first defense in his hometown of Cleveland.
“New opponent, same mission. Much respect to Albert Bell for stepping in,” Mason said. “Everyone, show up to the Wolstein for my title defense. Appetite for smoke!”
Mason-Bell headlines TNT Sports and DAZN’s inaugural The Fight event, a new monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN. The card will include Bruce Carrington versus Rene Palacios, Tiger Johnson against Christopher Guerrero and Deric Davis versus Carlos Ramos. It is promoted by Top Rank along with Pulse Boxing and TGB Promotions. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
