It’s graduation day for Abdullah Mason.
For the 19-year-old lightweight, he’s viewed as one of the best prospects the sport of boxing has to offer. In a day and age where activity is a rarity, Mason managed to enter the ring on five different occasions. Despite his level of opposition rising, Mason’s game rose along with it.
Jose Cardenas, his latest victim, strutted his way to the ring with his chest puffed out. For the 23-year-old, a loss wasn’t pragmatic, nor was it logical. However, once the opening bell rang, he quickly realized that he was in over his head.
Mason, like always, was smooth out there. He was the faster man, the stronger man, and flat-out the better man. A second-round knockout allowed the Ohio native to head to the showers early. Now, with his 2023 likely over, he’ll begin plotting his 2024.
Making the jump from promising prospect to legit contender to world champion, is a steep climb. Mason though, has his hiking boots on. He knows that the lightweight division is nothing to play around with. When the 19-year-old looks to his left, he sees the likes of Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis. To his right, Raymond Muratalla and Gervonta Davis are sitting comfortably. Straight ahead, William Zepeda and Isaac Cruz are waiting on him.
Accomplishing his goals and reaching his ultimate potential, considering his age, could be a ways away. From Mason’s point of view, however, he believes he should be done with the baby steps. While his age may indicate that he must remain patient, Mason is convinced that he’s ready to go to the next level.
“I definitely see 2024 being a turn-up year,” revealed Mason during a sit-down conversation on The Mayweather Channel. “Definitely be a world champion by the end of that year or sometime in 2025 hopefully.”