Abdullah Mason will now defend his WBO lightweight title against unbeaten Ohio contender Albert Bell on July 4 at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center.
Bell (28-0, 9 KOs), from Toledo, steps in after former world champion Joe Cordina was forced to withdraw because of a visa issue. The fight gives Mason’s Cleveland homecoming an all-Ohio title twist, with Mason representing Cleveland and Bell getting his first world title opportunity.
Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) became world champion last November by defeating previously unbeaten Sam Noakes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 22-year-old had already built major momentum in 2025 with stoppage wins over Manuel Jaimes, Carlos Ornelas and Jeremia Nakathila before capturing the title.
Watch Mason vs. Noakes highlights: Watch
“New opponent, same mission,” Mason said. “Much respect to Albert Bell for stepping in. Everyone, show up to the Wolstein for my title defense. Appetite for smoke!”
Bell had been scheduled to face Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz in an IBF lightweight final eliminator on July 18, but instead takes a bigger opportunity two weeks earlier. He last fought in August, winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Keith Hunter in Toledo.
“The opportunity was presented, I said yes,” Bell said. “If you know my story, it’s been a long road.”
The co-feature will see Carrington defend his WBC featherweight title against unbeaten Rene Palacios, while Tiger Johnson faces Christopher Guerrero in a 10-round welterweight battle. Deric “Scooter” Davis also returns against Carlos Ramos in an eight-round lightweight bout.
