5 hours ago - Sports

Boxing star Abdullah Mason headlines all-Ohio world title fight

Troy Smith

Four men stand in a boxing ring; center is a shirtless champion with a large belt. Flanked by two helpers and a man in gray, bright arena lights and ropes surround them. — Abdullah Mason poses with his team after winning the WBO lightweight title in November. Photo: Richard Pelham/Getty Images

A pair of Ohio natives will look to create their own fireworks inside a boxing ring at the Wolstein Center on Saturday.

State of play: Bedford native Abdullah Mason will defend his WBO lightweight title against Toledo native Albert Bell.

Both fighters are undefeated. Mason, 21, is the youngest active champion in men's professional boxing.

The intrigue: Bell replaces Welsh fighter and former IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina, who withdrew from the fight due to visa issues.

Mason, who is 20-0 in his young career, is a heavy favorite to win.

What they're saying: "If you know my story, it's been a long road," Bell, who is getting his first title shot, said after being added to the fight.

For Mason, it's "new opponent, same mission."

Between the ropes: Saturday's undercard includes Cleveland native and welterweight Tiger Johnson taking on Christopher Guerrero.

If you go: Tickets for the fight start at just under $60.

The main card will air live on TNT and streaming service DAZN starting at 8pm.

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Boxing star Abdullah Mason headlines all-Ohio world title fight

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