Abdullah Mason has been matched with Giovanni Cabrera in a further test of Top Rank’s desire to advance his standing in 2025.

The promising lightweight, 20, earlier in February defeated Manuel Jaimes, and on the undercard of the welterweight contest between Lindolfo Delgado and Elvis Rodriguez at Las Vegas’ Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on April 5, fights the southpaw Cabrera.

Cabrera, 30, lost for the second time in 24 fights in July 2024, when he was stopped – for the first time – by the dangerous William Zepeda. He previously lost via split decision to Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, and recorded victories over Rene Tellez Giron and Gabriel Flores Jnr.

“In 2025, I want all the smoke,” Mason said. “I respect Giovanni Cabrera for accepting the fight, but he’s the next one on my way to the world championship. 

“I look forward to making a statement on April 5 at The Palms in Las Vegas.”

“Abdullah Mason is making a quick turnaround and will be in the lightweight title discussion sooner than people realize,” said Top Rank’s Bob Arum, whose fellow lightweight Keyshawn Davis so recently won the WBO title against Denys Berinchyk at the top of the same New York bill on which Mason defeated James.