Abdullah Mason improved to 16-0 (14 KOs) with an exciting second round win over Dominican veteran Yohan Vasquez all but earning him the 2024 Prospect of the Year title.

Mason was dropped twice from left hooks in a thrilling opening session in Norfolk, Virginia, and there were many on social media who believed that the experience of being down on two occasions, before Mason finished Vasquez with bodyshots, will stand the 20-year-old form Ohio in good stead. 

“Slow boring feel ‘em out first round for @abdullahmason,” joked Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler.

“Just kidding! We learned a lot tonight about the brilliant Top Rank prospect tonight, Mason got clipped and dropped twice but got up and floored tough Yohan Vasquez, then finished his man in round 2. Mason on his way.”

Getting dropped will cause many to condemn southpaw Mason of having suspect whiskers while others will say the youngster has come through a rite of passage and will subsequently learn and improve; that a valuable box has been ticked and it will only add to his progression.

Newly-installed WBO president Gustavo Oliveri was similarly impressed.

“What a performance by @abdullahmason after suffering adversity twice. The kid is the goods; smart, tough, terrific condition and a punch. Sky is the limit for the young [blood]. @WorldBoxingOrg recognized Mason as the 2024 Lightweight prospect of the year.”

Vasquez is now 26-6 (21 KOs).

Two-time 140lbs champion Regis Prograis added: “Getting dropped twice and getting the KO. This is what champions are made of.”

“I knew he had something,” said Mason afterwards. “My dad told me he was going to come out like that but man, that was something else. You know what that was? It was an experience. But it was exciting and I like that.”