Cleveland native Abdullah Mason, the youngest active world champion in boxing, will defend his title against Albert Bell at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
The undefeated lightweight fighters previously trained together as sparring partners but will now face off after a last-minute change.
Mason was originally scheduled to fight Joe Cordina, who was replaced by Toledo native Bell due to visa complications.
All-Ohio Showdown
The updated fight card transforms the main event into an all-Ohio matchup, scheduled for broadcast on TNT starting at 8 p.
m.
“One thing I do want to say is, I’m the youngest world champion in boxing for a reason, and I’m prepared to show that when I step into the ring,” said Mason.
The champion expressed confidence regarding the sudden adjustment. “It was definitely unexpected.
Albert Bell—that’s our guy from Toledo. But it’s boxing,” he stated.
“You’ve got to be prepared for anything, and I’m prepared to come out on top. Everything happens for a reason,” Mason added.
The event also features a co-main title bout where Bruce Carrington will defend his WBC featherweight world title against Mexico's Rene Palacios.
The preliminary lineup includes a welterweight match between U. S.
Olympian Delante 'Tiger' Johnson and Christopher Guerrero, alongside a lightweight bout featuring Dedric 'Scooter' Davis against Carlos Ramos.
