Abdullah Mason vs Albert Bell predictions: Lightweight title fight
Abdullah Mason puts his WBC lightweight title on the line Saturday against Albert Bell in Cleveland, headlining the inaugural "The Fight" series on TNT and DAZN. The 22-year-old champion takes the bout on two weeks' notice after original opponent Joe Cordina withdrew.
Mason arrives as the clear favourite despite the late switch. The unbeaten prospect from Cleveland landed his belt with an impressive showing against Sam Noakes earlier this year, displaying the power and composure that made Top Rank believers. Bell, meanwhile, has fought exclusively on small regional cards since leaving Top Rank in 2021, compiling wins over modest opposition in Toledo and Georgia.
What Bell's size advantage means for Mason
Bell stands six feet tall and uses his length well for a 135-pounder, though Bad Left Hook's Patrick Stumberg notes he carries typical tall-fighter vulnerabilities: an upright chin and hands that drop low on the return. Mason gives up three inches in height but owns a rare reach edge, plus what analysts describe as clear advantages in speed and power. "The only thing that worries me at all here, if I'm looking at the fight from the Mason side, is the late notice," Bad Left Hook's Scott Christ writes. "He's a different sort of foe to prepare for than Joe Cordina."
The late replacement cuts both ways. Bell has not faced anyone remotely close to Mason's calibre since losing a decision to Andy Vences in 2019. At 33, he now meets a southpaw with violent finishing ability after years of regional matchmaking. Stumberg expects Mason to solve the puzzle once his body attack opens up Bell's chin, predicting a stoppage in round eight.
The fight airs Saturday night as part of the new monthly TNT boxing series, with the broadcast streaming simultaneously on DAZN.
Original reporting:
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