Sam Noakes’ recent defeat might sting, but don’t count him out! Boxing promoter Frank Warren is making a bold promise: Noakes will get another shot at a lightweight world title in 2026. That’s a huge statement of confidence, especially after a loss. But here’s why Warren believes so strongly in the 28-year-old fighter.
Despite losing to the highly touted Abdullah Mason, Noakes proved his mettle in their WBO title bout. Remember, this was both fighters’ first time competing for world honors. He weathered a nasty cut in the fifth round and refused to back down, pushing Mason to his absolute limit. Many believe, despite the loss, Noakes actually enhanced his reputation that night. It was Noakes’ first professional defeat, but the sheer grit and determination he displayed, particularly given his underdog status, have convinced Warren that a world title is within his grasp, and he’s determined to make it happen.
Warren, speaking to BoxingScene, didn’t mince words. “Without a doubt,” he affirmed when asked about the possibility of a world title fight for Noakes in 2026. “I’ll make sure that happens.”
He plans to connect with Noakes soon to strategize. “He won’t fight ’till April anyway. Let’s see what’s around and what’s available,” Warren stated, indicating a careful and considered approach to Noakes’ next steps.
Warren acknowledged the early cut hampered Noakes, saying, “He suffered a bad cut very early in the fight, and that gave him a problem – there’s no doubt about that.” And this is the part most people miss… Warren believes the fight was incredibly close. “[But] there weren’t nothing in that fight – I thought there was just a couple of rounds in it, and if he’d have won the last couple of rounds I think it could have been his fight, but he boxed extremely well.” This suggests Warren saw more in Noakes’ performance than just a valiant effort; he saw a potential victory narrowly missed.
“I know he’s a good fighter – I’ve been banging on about what a good fighter he is for a while now, and he showed that,” Warren emphasized. “He showed that in a big way. Moving forward, I believe he has winning a world title in him.” Warren sees the experience, even in defeat, as a confidence booster for Noakes. “Fights like that can give you confidence in yourself. I thought he boxed extremely well. He’s not disgraced himself, and we’re all quite proud of his performance.”
It’s worth noting that Noakes’ manager is Warren’s son, Francis. This close family connection likely strengthens Warren’s commitment to Noakes’ career. Furthermore, following their exciting clash at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reports have surfaced that Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in boxing promotions, wants Noakes to feature on another Riyadh Season card. That’s a testament to the entertainment value Noakes brings to the ring.
“I was there when he said that,” confirmed Frank. “But who wouldn’t? When’s Sam ever been in a bad fight?” Warren added, highlighting Noakes’ consistent ability to deliver exciting performances.
“Sam’s fight was the fight of the night. He’s come through and shown what he’s all about. He’s up there and he’s a good fighter.”
So, what do you think? Is Frank Warren’s promise realistic? Can Sam Noakes bounce back from this defeat and claim a world title in 2026? Or is Warren’s optimism simply promoter hype? And this is where it gets controversial… some might argue that Warren is prioritizing his own fighter over other more deserving contenders. Is that a fair assessment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Also, the original article mentions David Benavidez. Should Benavidez fight Zurdo Ramirez or Canelo Alvarez?