The Ring IV: Night of the Champions took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 28, 2023, showcasing a thrilling lineup of boxing matches that had significant implications across multiple weight divisions. In a standout performance, Abdullah Mason, aged 21, claimed the WBO lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Sam Noakes, making him the youngest world champion in boxing today.
Mason demonstrated his exceptional skill throughout the match, going the full 12 rounds for the first time in his professional career. His victory hinged on effective body work and impressive stamina, as he faced a determined Noakes who refused to capitulate. Notably, during the seventh round, Mason landed a series of powerful body shots that visibly hurt Noakes. Despite this setback, Noakes managed to regroup and put Mason under pressure in the later rounds, but the judges awarded Mason the fight decisively, elevating him to the No. 8 position in the divisional rankings.
In another highlight of the night, Devin Haney secured his spot at the top of the welterweight rankings by defeating Brian Norman Jr. to capture the WBO title. Haney exhibited a masterclass in boxing, dropping Norman in the second round and maintaining control with a disciplined jab throughout the bout. The loss pushed Norman down three places to No. 4 in the rankings.
The event also featured Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who showcased his prowess by decisively defeating Fernando Martinez to unify three junior bantamweight titles. Rodriguez’s victory reinforces his position at No. 1 in the rankings, creating a significant gap between him and the rest of the competitors. Martinez, despite the loss, remains at No. 2 due to his previous victories over Kazuto Ioka, who is currently ranked No. 3.
Additionally, David Benavidez solidified his position as the No. 3 light heavyweight after a dominant performance against Anthony Yarde. Benavidez’s victory comes amid plans to move up to cruiserweight for his next fight, where he is set to challenge unified champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez on the Cinco de Mayo weekend.
The rankings, published by ESPN, reflect the latest performances and outcomes in the sport. Fighters who have not competed in the past 12 months or who test positive for performance-enhancing substances are removed from the rankings. Those who have held titles in two divisions can be ranked in both, provided they compete in those weight classes.
With the excitement of the night still resonating, boxing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the next moves from these champions and contenders. The ongoing shifts in rankings promise an engaging landscape for future matches, setting the stage for more riveting encounters in the ring.
