The Ring IV: Night of the Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, delivered critical outcomes across multiple boxing weight classes on November 22, 2023. Among the highlights, Abdullah Mason secured his position as the youngest world champion by defeating Sam Noakes with a unanimous decision to claim the WBO lightweight title. At just 21 years old, Mason demonstrated skill and resilience, battling through 12 grueling rounds for the first time in his professional career.
Mason, who previously showcased his talent in shorter bouts, relied on his exceptional body work and stamina to maintain control throughout the fight. He managed to hurt Noakes several times, particularly in the seventh round with a powerful combination to the body. While Noakes showed tenacity and fought back hard, Mason’s performance earned him the No. 8 spot in the divisional rankings.
In another significant bout, Devin Haney ascended to the top of the welterweight rankings by defeating Brian Norman Jr. to capture the WBO title. Haney delivered a masterclass performance, dropping Norman in the second round and maintaining a strategic edge with an effective jab. After this defeat, Norman slipped three positions to No. 4 in the rankings.
Other Notable Fights and Rankings Changes
The event also featured Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who showcased his prowess by finishing Fernando Martinez to unify three junior bantamweight titles. Rodriguez solidified his status at No. 1 in the division, creating significant distance between him and the competition. Martinez, despite the loss, remains at No. 2 due to his previous victories over the current No. 3-ranked junior bantamweight, Kazuto Ioka.
In light heavyweight, David Benavidez secured a dominant victory over Anthony Yarde, which reinforced his No. 3 ranking, placing him behind former champion Artur Beterbiev and unified champion Dmitry Bivol. It was announced that Benavidez plans to move up to cruiserweight to challenge unified champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez on Cinco de Mayo weekend.
The latest updates from ESPN’s divisional boxing rankings reflect changes based on recent performances. Fighters transitioning between weight classes will be ranked in their new divisions only after competing there, while those inactive for over a year will be removed from the rankings until they return to the ring. Additionally, any fighter testing positive for performance-enhancing substances will face removal from the rankings, with eligibility to re-enter after their next fight.
As boxing continues to evolve, the outcomes from the Night of the Champions have set the stage for future matchups and shifts in the sport’s rankings. The current champions across all weight classes can be viewed on ESPN’s ranking page, showcasing the dynamic landscape of professional boxing.
