Boxing
Keys to Victory: Where will Abdullah Mason and Albert Bell land major damage?
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The last time the boxing world saw Abdullah Mason in action, he was solidifying his ascension in the sweet science by making the most of his first world title opportunity.
Now, the youngest world champion in boxing puts his WBO lightweight title on the line tonight against Albert Bell at Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and live on DAZN. Mason was originally slated to fight Joe Cordina, but the latter’s visa issues made Bell the late replacement.
The 22-year-old Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) heads into this homecoming headliner coming off a rousing unanimous decision victory over Sam Noakes to become a world champion in November. Meanwhile, Bell (28-0, 9 KOs), suddenly thrust into the spotlight, last recorded a unanimous decision over Keith Hunter in August.
Will Mason dazzle his way to a scintillating first title defense? Or will Bell make the most of his opportunity and send tremors through the sport with an eye-popping performance of his own? With the anticipation reaching its climax, DAZN News examines the Keys to Victory for both Mason and Bell.
Abdullah Mason: The Revolution Continues
Abdullah Mason’s Keys to Victory
Make deposits to the body
Crunching deposits are already part of Abdullah Mason’s fight game. Against a taller ‘Prince’ Albert Bell, Mason ought to explore and seize any open lanes to the body that the challenger gives him.
Compact hooks, which Mason leverages well, could force Bell to lower his arms just enough for the WBO lightweight world champion to blast away with heavier artillery upstairs. Plus, these body shots will allow Mason to close the distance and keep the action on the inside — where he wants to be. A left hook, in particular, from the southpaw champ should find its mark under and around Bell’s jab.
Launch uppercuts inside
Once inside of Bell’s jab, Mason should unload with the uppercut. This is already one of the 22-year-old’s best weapons due to the way he sits on the punch, maximizing its impact.
Launching uppercuts inside could do major damage toward Mason keeping his title wrapped around his waist.
Time Bell for a stiff left hook
It’s within Bell’s norm to keep his guard around chest level. When Mason is in the pocket, the champion could find big paydirt by unleashing a stiff left hook to the jaw.
These shots land flush with timing and Mason could have a roaring first title defense in front of his hometown crowd.
Albert Bell’s Keys to Victory
Assert the jab early
Albert Bell is solid at establishing the distance behind a peppering jab. Successfully asserting the stick against Abdullah Mason could keep the WBO lightweight world champion at bay over sequences and have the challenger gain points.
Look for the right hand over the guard
When Mason is working inside at times, he leaves an opening for opponents to fire away with a straight right hand or right hook over the guard. Sam Noakes took these opportunities well in their November fight. Given his height at 6’0”, Bell has an even better vantage point to detonate a right over the guard that hurts the champ.
Pick spots for bursts inside
Bell’s best bet toward an upset is keeping the action on the outside where he could pluck away with the jab. That said, he’s capable of closing the space and piecing together some inside combinations as well.
The onus is on Bell to shrewdly pick these spots behind the jab, knowing when to burst into the pocket and score points against Mason. Now, he must do this cautiously as Mason’s heavy hands can certainly make him pay. But educated choices could present point swings in the challenger’s favor if these spots are executed well.
Who has the edge in Mason vs. Bell?
Analysis: DAZN News’ Mark Lelinwalla
Albert Bell is a sound sweet scientist who can present challenges with his range behind the jab. However, Mason is almost incessant with his pressure, which I expect to get the best of the challenger tonight. Mason’s left hook to the body should be the gateway punch that the champ uses toward giving ‘Prince’ a royal world of pain.
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