Barry McGuigan, the former world champion turned promoter, has identified a young boxer who might fill Terence Crawford's shoes. McGuigan believes 20-year-old Abdullah Mason could be 'the next Terence Crawford'.
Crawford, currently the 154lbs world champion, has made a significant impact in boxing. He's held world titles in multiple weight classes, including becoming undisputed champion at both lightweight and welterweight. At 36, Crawford is eyeing a legacy-defining challenge against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and might retire if the fight doesn't happen.
Mason, a southpaw from Bedford near Cleveland, has caught McGuigan's eye with his impressive 14-0 record, including 12 knockouts. His latest fight saw him score a second-round blowout against Mike Orhan Jr.
McGuigan praised Mason's activity in a recent interview:
"This will be his fourth fight of the year. His last bout was only a month ago. I love that about him. I fought 12 times in my first year. It's not about money at this stage. It's about being busy. And getting experience under your belt."
The former champion didn't hold back in his assessment of Mason's potential:
"Remember the name, Abdullah Mason. We could be looking at the next Terence Crawford."
McGuigan went on to describe Mason's fighting style:
"He has the same class and guile as Crawford but is intuitively more attacking. He likes to get the job done, standing in the pocket and moving neatly in and out of distance. He throws neat combinations and rips that backhand into the stomach."
Mason's skills include great accuracy and a dangerous right hook. McGuigan noted, "I like the way he turns the hands when he lands it, really making it stick."
Looking ahead, Mason is expected to return to the ring in November. His team has their sights set on world titles in 2025, potentially in the lightweight division where current champions include Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and Denys Berinchyk.
McGuigan sees big things in Mason's future:
"Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia and Shakur Stevenson are the ultimate targets, but with kids like him, you need to bring them on at the right pace, but that level is where he is heading."
With his southpaw stance, attacking style, and impressive knockout record, Abdullah Mason is definitely a young fighter to watch. Time will tell if he can live up to the high praise and fill the big shoes of Terence Crawford.
