Final Moments of the Fight
With just 30 seconds left in the 10th round, Abdullah Mason intensified his efforts to secure a stoppage against Sam Noakes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Despite Mason’s desire for a knockout, Noakes found himself in a reflective moment.
Reflecting on the Experience
“I remember it vividly,” Noakes shared with The Ring. “He landed a body shot, prompting me to lower my arm to avoid another one—but then he caught me with a left hook to the head. I thought, ‘Wow, that stung.’
“I glanced down at the canvas and thought, ‘That looks inviting, maybe I’ll just take a seat there.’ It’s interesting what goes through your mind in moments like these.
“Everything felt like it was in slow motion. While the action around me was fast-paced, I was staring at the canvas pondering whether to succumb. In the end, I didn’t sit down, and I’m thankful I didn’t.
“It’s wild to think about what runs through your mind. I don’t recall sitting in my corner or even what Al [Smith] said to me, but I distinctly remember thinking, ‘This hurts, I might just take a nap.’”
Building a Fanbase
Noakes (17-1, 15 KOs) speaks with a candidness that has endeared him to British boxing fans and, following his strong performance against the prominent Mason, he has attracted new followers in the US. He can now chuckle about the experience, although the sting of his first loss still lingers.
Processing the Loss
In the immediate aftermath of the fight, he avoided thinking about his next steps, humorously suggesting he might consider a career in a coffee shop instead of continuing to endure the pain of professional boxing. However, as the reality of his first defeat settles in, Noakes is ready to plan for 2026.
“Before losing, I felt it would be catastrophic,” he noted. “It feels awful.
“Walking back to the locker room, the weight of the loss hits hard. It felt like a death—everyone is silent but gives you a look that says it all.
“But this is boxing; I’m not naïve. I understood the risks and the potential rewards. We faced a tough opponent in a close fight, but unfortunately, I was the one to come up short.”
Family Reaction to the Defeat
This loss was also significant for Noakes’ family, including his brother Sean (11-0, 5 KOs), as it marked the first professional defeat for any of them. The visible damage Noakes sustained, including a noticeable cut from the third round, showcased the reality of the fight as he exited the ring at ANB Arena.
“I don’t think they enjoyed it,” he remarked. “My 10-year-old nephew said, ‘I don’t like this.’ Meanwhile, my niece dozed off.
“As I entered the ring, I spotted my mum and sister, nodded at them to assure them I was okay, while my brother Sean was understanding of the situation.
“My dad was choked up when I emerged from the hospital with my injuries. Boxing is brutal, especially when you’re on the receiving end. They were concerned, but once I came back from the hospital, they could laugh at my swollen face.”
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Noakes, known for his explosive start to his career with 13 knockout victories, faces a new chapter. His progress may have slowed with tougher competition, but his reputation has surged, even in defeat.
“Losing stings now,” he admitted. “But I plan to spend some time with family over Christmas before getting back to training in the new year.
“I have a loss on my record, but aside from that, I still feel good. I’m more experienced and eager to come back stronger, aiming for a world title before my career ends.
“During my rise, I had that hunger for success; I wanted it all. I remember that edge from my amateur days, where I constantly faced competition. Sometimes, in professional boxing, you lose that edge. However, it’s comforting to know that I still have it within me, ready to fight.”
