Boxing
'The first step to many big things!' - Mason relishing Cleveland homecoming
Mason vs. Bell on DAZN subscription - TONIGHT
Abdullah Mason believes his first WBO lightweight defence in his hometown of Cleveland is "the first step to many big things".
The Ohio native heads back onto his own turf this weekend against Albert Bell for what is his first bout of 2026, live on DAZN.
Originally due to face Joe Cordina, legal issues prevented the Briton from making the trip - but that hasn't dampened Mason's spirits.
Ahead of his latest test, the 22-year-old revealed that returning to his own patch with a major title in hand has brought further clarity.
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"Headlining in my city of Cleveland, Ohio, it reminds me that it's bigger than just me and my family being in boxing for ourselves," he told DAZN.
"We have a whole city who is pushing behind us. This is something they've been talking about, and asking us to do since we turned pro.
"So for us to be able to stay focused and actually comeback with a hometown fight, it shows you where we're headed. It's the first step to many big things."
Victory for Mason could tee up a potential unification opportunity later in the year, with the star already eyeing extra titles across the division.
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