Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell Official For July 4 After Joe Cordina Withdraws

Unbeaten Albert Bell steps in to challenge for the WBO lightweight title after Joe Cordina exits because of visa issues

Abdullah Mason will defend his WBO lightweight title against unbeaten Albert Bell after Joe Cordina withdrew from their July 4 fight because of visa issues. Bell gives up an IBF title eliminator against Andy Cruz for an immediate world title opportunity in an all-Ohio main event.

The all-Ohio showdown will headline the inaugural edition of The Fight, a new monthly boxing series that will air live on TNT, truTV, and DAZN in the United States, with DAZN carrying the event worldwide.

“New opponent, same mission,” Mason said in the official announcement. “Much respect to Albert Bell for stepping in. Everyone, show up to the Wolstein for my title defense. Appetite for smoke!”

Bell welcomed the opportunity after receiving the late call.

“The opportunity was presented, I said yes,” Bell said. “If you know my story, it’s been a long road.”

The matchup comes after Bell (28-0, 9 KOs) was originally scheduled to face Andy Cruz in an IBF lightweight title eliminator on July 18 in Carson, California. Instead, the unbeaten Toledo native will challenge for his first world championship two weeks earlier against fellow Ohioan Mason.

Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) captured the vacant WBO lightweight title last November with a dominant victory over previously unbeaten Sam Noakes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 21-year-old Cleveland star earned the title shot after an impressive 2025 campaign that included stoppage victories over Manuel Jaimes, Carlos Ornelas, and Jeremia Nakathila.

The July 4 card will also feature Bruce Carrington against Rene Palacios, Tiger Johnson versus Christopher Guerrero, and Scooter Davis taking on Carlos Ramos. The televised broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, and DAZN.

While Bell enters the fight unbeaten, the 33-year-old has spent years waiting for a breakthrough opportunity. Now, after Cordina’s withdrawal, he gets the biggest fight of his career with a world title on the line in front of a home-state crowd.

Share on Facebook

Post on X