British boxer Sam Noakes has spoken candidly about his first professional defeat, a narrow points loss to American prodigy Abdullah Mason in their world lightweight title fight last month.
A Night of History and Heartbreak
The bout, which took place in November, saw the 21-year-old Mason crowned the youngest male world champion on the planet following a unanimous decision victory. For Noakes, the fight was a gruelling 12-round affair that left him battered and bruised, but ultimately proud of his performance on the sport's biggest stage.
The Turning Point: A Costly Cut
Noakes believes a significant moment came in the third round when an accidental head clash opened a nasty cut over his eye. While he refuses to use it as an excuse, the British fighter admitted the injury made his task considerably harder against a formidable opponent.
"It was a good fight," Noakes told Mirror Fighting. "He's a good fighter and I've not seen any negative comments about the fight. I thought that when I got my first loss it would feel like the end of the world but it doesn't. It's not that I'm not bothered, I hate losing, but I do feel like he was just better on the night."
Looking Forward with Confidence
Despite the disappointment, Noakes' outlook is remarkably positive. He views the close, entertaining nature of the contest as a platform to launch another assault on a world title in 2025.
"It'll put me in good stead to push on for another world title shot next year and I'm still in the mix," he stated. "If you just miss out in a close fight for a world title, as annoying as it is, it's not the end of the world. You're fighting at the pinnacle of the sport with future greats."
Noakes concluded with praise for his victor, acknowledging Mason's exceptional talent: "Fair play to him, he can seriously fight. I gave it everything I had and couldn't have done any more."
