Fast-rising lightweight phenom Abdullah Mason had a memorable 5-0 campaign in 2024 that led him to be a finalist for The Ring’s Prospect of the Year award.

Each of Mason’s fights last year ended via stoppage inside five rounds, but had it not been for his November firefight against Yohan Vasquez – a Round of the Year candidate that saw the 20-year-old southpaw from Cleveland get dropped twice in the opening round while scoring a knockdown himself – Mason would have likely won the honor that was ultimately awarded to heavyweight Moses Itauma.

Mason (16-0, 14 KOs) will get a chance to prove his chin-checked showing was a fluke when he takes on Manuel Jaimes (16-2-1, 11 KOs) on Friday at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York. Mason’s fight will stream on ESPN+ and provide undercard support for the Top Rank on ESPN show headlined by Keyshawn Davis’ first title shot against WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk.

“It was shocking. I stood up and was like, 'What, the ref is counting for me?” Mason told The Ring while recounting his second-round knockout win against Vazquez. “I just had to make sure I stayed calm and collected. I knew he was going to try to get me out of there, guns blazing. So he ran into one. I didn't particularly feel his power but some people have the power where they make something happen when they land.”

Against Vazquez, who came in losing three out of his last four fights, Mason was knocked down in a flash less than a minute into the fight. Mason quickly bounced back up and got rocked again only to deliver an equalizing left uppercut knockdown himself 30 seconds later. Looking to finish the fight, Mason unleashed a furious flurry but was caught with a counter left from Vazquez 30 seconds later, getting dropped again. Alas, in the second round, a combination by Mason that was capped off by a crushing body shot knocked out Vazquez.

“I feel that I did exceptional,” said Mason. “A lot of fighters don't know what to do when they get in that predicament and get knocked down and how they react to it. I feel that I came out on top. I got the job done and I did great. Everything sped up after the first knockdown and flew by so quickly. But my intense training in the gym had me prepared for everything from top to bottom. I was ready for the moment, to fight under pressure with an opponent coming at you with heavy hands. There wasn't a panic mode, or anything. We got the job done … The main goal is to make sure it never happens again. I'm ready for anything that takes place in the ring.”

Against Jaimes, Mason is matched up against a durable 24-year-old who fought to a 10-round unanimous decision loss against Rolando Romero last time out in September.

“Manuel Jaimes tries to do everything,” said Mason. “He moves forward, if you fight, he fights back. He lets his hands go and has a little bit of everything. He's tough, and that's who we need. Somebody who is going to test the water a little bit and let me know where I am at … Me and Rolly are completely different fighters.”

Mason is already ranked No. 10 by the WBC and No. 13 by the WBO. He believes a world title shot could be around the corner.

“A perfect 2025 would mean fighting for a world title and headlining a show in my hometown of Cleveland,” said Mason. “I'm open to anyone and everyone who has a title. That'll be huge. That'll be amazing.

“I have to keep doing the same things in all of my step ups. Everything else will come, as long as I am locked in and focused. My position is to prove where I am at right now. I will get the job done. I'm waiting for a big name.

“I'm the up-and-coming No. 1 guy in the lightweight division. I see myself at the top and having one of those belts very soon … Who knows how far I can take it? I can go so long with the skills that I am blessed with. It can take me very far. The talent is there, and the hard work is there as well. It's all in the mindset.”