Albert Bell had zero plans of fighting Abdullah Mason 'no time soon' before phone call

The former is happening on Saturday night in the main event of the inaugural "The Fight" series as Abdullah Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) defends the WBO lightweight championship against Albert Bell from Cleveland, live on DAZN worldwide and TNT Sports in the United States (8pm ET/ 5pm PT).

Initially, Bell wasn't the opponent. Bell (29-0, 9 KOs) was set to face Andy Cruz in an IBF title eliminator on July 18 on DAZN in the co-main event of the Diego Pacheco-Immanuel Aleem card. Things worked in Bell's favor when the original Mason opponent, Joe Cordina, was forced to withdraw due to a visa issue. However, taking this fight wasn't something even on Bell's radar. 

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Abdullah Mason: The Revolution Continues

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"It caught me by surprise," Bell told DAZN's Chris Mannix at Thursday's press conference. 

"I didn't really have thoughts on fighting Abdullah, especially no time soon. Everything made sense. So I talked to my pops about it. Talked to the Masons and stepped in and saved the card, get my world title opportunity, and put on a show for all of Ohio."

Preparing for new opponents can often be difficult because not everyone fights the same style. For Bell, the adjustment from Cruz to Mason wasn't as bad due to working with the 135-pound champion in the past. 

"It's boxing," Bell said. "We're at the top level. Been in there with all the styles in the world. Cruz do fight a more moving style. I got some experience with Abdullah already, so just tailored my adjustments to that. Really just about being in shape and being prepared. Boxing is all about adjustments.

Joshua vs. Prenga - exclusively on DAZN PPV

Watch Anthony Joshua's hugely anticipated return to the ring versus Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Itauma vs. Hrgovic and Canelo vs. Mbilli PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing, and to buy, click here.