Abdullah Mason made the most of his primetime debut.
The blue-chip lightweight prospect made quick work of Alex de Oliveira, whom he stopped in the second round of their ESPN-televised swing bout. Mason floored the visiting Brazilian to produce the end of the contest at 2:18 of round two Saturday from Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.
Mason made his second home state appearance and first on ESPN’s linear network. The 19-year-old southpaw from the greater Cleveland area refused to get caught up in the moment. He spent the opening round laying down the foundation, largely fought behind his jab. De Oliveira was hesitant to let his hands go and missed with nearly every punch he attempted in the first three minutes.
The attack intensified in round two.
Mason landed a variety of power punches, in rapid-fire succession as well as single shot uppercuts and right hooks. De Oliveira managed to sneak in a right hand but only left himself open for a barrage of left hands. Mason continued to throw until de Oliveira was willed to the canvas. Referee James Easter began to issue his mandatory eight count before he waved off the contest as de Oliveira (20-5, 14KOs) collapsed into the ropes in a failed effort to make it to his feet.
Mason advanced to 9-0 (8KOs) with the win, already his third of 2023 as he picked up his fourth consecutive knockout victory. He is among head trainer and father Valiant’s five sons whom all box, including.pro junior welterweight prospect Amir Mason.
Headlining the main show, local hero and rising heavyweight contender Jared Anderson (14-0, 14KOs) meets former IBF heavyweight titlist Charles Martin (29-3-1, 26KOs) in a scheduled ten-round contest.
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox