Show stealer Abdullah Mason may have clinched Prospect and Round of Year

Undefeated lightweight Abdullah Mason is quickly becoming a name to watch in boxing. Known for his bold “appetite for smoke” slogan and his reputation as a show stealer on undercards, Mason now has another goal in his sights: 2024 Prospect of the Year.

On Friday, Cleveland’s 20-year-old Mason delivered one of the year’s most thrilling rounds yet, stopping Yohan Vasquez in the second round of their scheduled eight-round bout at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. Mason has stopped all four opponents he has faced this year, and his confidence was already evident at Thursday’s weigh-in.

“We’re a step away,” Mason told Top Rank’s live stream before making weight on Thursday. “Prospect of the Year – that’s how I see it. This will be my last eight-rounder, so we’re moving to 10 rounds and we’ll be ready for anybody.”

Mason, 16-0 (14 KOs), didn’t have an easy night. He was dropped in the first round but quickly returned the favor, knocking down Vasquez, 26-6 (21 KOs), a Bronx-based Dominican, before being dropped again. Mason sealed the fight with another knockdown in the second round, delivering a performance that could well have stolen the show yet again.

“This is boxing! We make it exciting,” Mason said afterward.

Reflecting on the bout and the adversity he faced, Mason added, “I could push through it. I could push through anything. Put me in there with anybody, and I find a way to get on top.”

In the ring after the fight, his father and trainer, Valiant Mason, rallied the Norfolk crowd, asking, “Can we get Prospect of the Year?” as cheers erupted in support.

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.