Abdullah Mason focusing on fighting – not the hype

Lightweight Abdullah Mason is not only staying active but also embracing the growing stardom following a string of impressive undercard performances.

Mason returns to the ring on Saturday to face Mike Ohan Jr. in an eight-round bout at the Centre Vidéotron in Quebec City, Canada, airing on ESPN. The 20-year-old Cleveland native is gaining recognition as a potential breakout star, not just within the Top Rank roster but across boxing.

Mason (14-0, 12 KOs) who is on a four-fight knockout streak, last fought in July, stopping Luis Lebron in three rounds. Saturday’s fight marks his first bout outside the United States, coming just over a month after his last victory. 

“Staying active is really important,” Mason said. “I had five fights last year, and I’ll probably have the same this year. We’re staying active and utilizing our youth while we still have it. There’s no better time to stay active than now.”

Mason doesn’t pay much attention to the praise. “It doesn’t become distracting,” he said. “That is what comes with it.”

Despite just entering his 20s, Mason is already being discussed as a potential contender for the division’s top names. On Saturday, he will be featured on the ESPN+ undercard, following another rising star, super middleweight Osleys Iglesias. 

Ohan (19-2, 9 KOs), from Holbrook, Massachusetts, is on a three-fight win streak since being stopped by Delante ‘Tiger’ Johnson in December 2022. The 30-year-old is dropping down to lightweight for the first time, having previously competed at junior welterweight.

“We’re just staying focused. You’ll see Saturday,” Mason warned.

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.