Abdullah Mason, 19-0 (17ko), won the vacant WBO Lightweight title Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after a thudding war with Sam Noakes 17-0 (12ko) that will stay with all those who witnessed it. Both men took enormous punishment from individual punches and combinations to both head and body. It was meaty, unrelenting and most of all, exciting to watch.

In phases, Mason looked the superior technician utilising his faster feet and edge in reach to turn the Englishman and off-setting his walk forward style. Troublesome for Mason's corner, was their charge's failure to stick to that as a tactic and his preference for proving his mettle on the inside. It suggests a flaw in his make up, from the perspective an unwillingness to stick to a game-plan will likely reduce his longevity and may lead to a loss where a win was expected.

For fans - it makes for sensational fights because he meets aggression with aggression.

Both men were unbeaten coming in and both are rated in the top-10 by Ring Magazine, Noakes departs with his reputation enhanced in defeat but likely physically diminished by the effort he gave to stay in the fight. Mason became the youngest active world-title holder and will have made new fans and certainly confirmed himself as one of the sport's entertainers.

The first round was one of two swing rounds that proved crucial in the final analysis. There was ebb and flow in the opener. Mason's swift movement looked like it could be decisive but Noakes established a foothold, scoring with straight body shots. 

In the second, the first key moment was a left hook that shuddered Noakes, he was smoother and moving more effectively and leading off well. Noakes looked more reluctant to commit - it was a fleeting conclusion as Noakes adopted more aggressive tactics in the third round. A messier fight would suit the flinty Englishman. But a Left uppercut again stiffened him and Mason was find a good groove, as the round drew to a close Mason again opted to attack and Noakes landed a solid right hand over the top. 

Noakes had acquired nasty cut to his left eye from a head clash and a doctor's examination permitted him to continue which appeared to surprise referee Miguel Angel Canul. The corner were largely effective in nullifying its impact but Noakes would continue to bleed throughout the ensuing rounds. For this observer, Noakes took the fourth and Mason was cut on his left cheek. Scores were now tied and Noakes tried to offer a compact target as he bowled forward and a solid right hand seemed to stun Mason two minutes in.

As became the pattern, a good round for one inspired a good round for the other fighter. The intent in Mason's punches was evidenced in his wide stance, his toes curling in to the canvas and lots of 'steam' on every hook he threw. He took the sixth, to leave the Roundtable scorecard equal. A left hook body shot from Noakes definitely had an impact but four consecutive jabs from the Cleveland man was comparable moment and he was succeeding again in turning Noakes.

Their feet were in conflict throughout but Noakes was winning the fight to get his lead foot on the outside - this offers space to land shots. The fight was increasingly be fought on the inside which suited the stubborn, grit of Noakes, but the Englishman seemed to take a rest in the 8th. Scores were still level after 8. Blood still flowing from Noakes' eye and Mason's cheek,  Noakes took the 9th to nudge ahead but a significant 10th round changed the trajectory significantly. Noakes managed to stay vertical but was close to taking a knee or being knocked down.

So, Roundtable card remained stubbornly level. With energy almost used up, with blood splattered across the canvas the pair again shared the final two rounds. Noakes had timed his counters and leads despite extreme fatigue hindering his output and accuracy. Mason was still chasing a knockdown to his credit. There was certainly no lack of action. Noakes sinking in good body shots and Mason still throwing huge hooks.

Mason got the decision, 117-11, 115-113 x 2, the latter is entirely plausible. The Roundtable card tallied as a draw but in truth Mason deserved the nod if a winner had to be picked.

Hopefully, this is a fight which may be rematched - though Mason has little to accomplish in beating him again and risks defeat - because it matches up stylistically perfect. Proving that there are good fights to be made and that the equivalence of two fighters always trumps the dominance of one fighter. If Noakes doesn't get offered a rematch, boxing fans should make sure they retain interest in him. Fighters need to be encouraged to take risks and therefore forgiven for losing a fight or two.

Mason v Noakes 2?

If it happens, this observer would be there.