Abdullah Mason will make the first defense of his WBO lightweight world title against former world champion Joe Cordina on July 4 at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center, headlining TNT Sports and DAZN’s first edition of The Fight series.
The event was officially announced at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Mason joined by Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Top Rank’s Carl Moretti, WBC featherweight champion Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, and Cleveland native Tiger Johnson. The card will be broadcast live on TNT and DAZN in the U.S. and on DAZN worldwide.
Mason said he is ready to turn his homecoming into a statement, promising “a lot of smoke” and calling the fight “a cookout.” He praised Cordina’s skills but made his confidence clear, saying: “Everything he does, I do better.”
Watch Mason vs. Noakes highlights: Watch
Cordina, meanwhile, is coming to spoil the celebration. The Welshman acknowledged the significance of July 4 in America but warned that he plans to ruin Mason’s homecoming and bring the title back to the UK.
Watch Cordina vs. Flores highlights: Watch
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.
