The undefeated WBO champion spoke softly about Davis this week, but his message struck a chord. Mason mentioned that he held the top position in this division when Davis was campaigning at lightweight. Since then, paths have crossed. Mason stayed waiting, claimed the belt, and now dominates the weight class.
“I was ranked first in the same category at the time he was,” said Mason. “So you lost. I’m still here at 135.”
A Mason does not want to be accused of ducking or seeking war. He speaks the truth where they stand. When a title was available, he was there to take it. He won the belt with a 12-round decision over Sam Noakes in November, a tough fight in which he answered all questions about his fitness.
If there was a window for Mason and Davis to meet at lightweight, it was open. Mason believes that the war was unsuccessful for reasons beyond his control.
“You hear everyone say what they say, but they go this way,” he said. “They’re going up, they’re going up. They’re going to look back and say this. They go that way and say something like this. So I hope they’re doing well.”
Mason watches the talk about what may not be important. He doesn’t buy the excuse that weight is the only thing that stopped the fight.
“If there was something, it would have happened,” he said.
This is no ordinary trash talk. He is a 21-year-old champion, which has made it clear that he is not going anywhere. Mason speaks like a man in complete control of his timeline. He sees no need to hunt down an opponent who has chosen a different weight class. His focus remains locked on the 135-pound weight limit and his upcoming commitments as a titleholder.
Mason expects to defend his title in April against challenger Joe Cordina. It’s a dangerous assignment for the young champion. Cordina has been a long-time champion moving up in weight to get her career back on track. By taking on an opponent with such experience, Mason proves that he is not just sitting on the belt. You are looking for the most difficult battles available in 135.
His hunger for the real test is obvious.
“That’s me.
His recent win over Noakes backs up that claim. Mason didn’t play it safe. He traded the gun, handled the difficulty, and adjusted more than 12 difficult rounds. That experience probably helped him more than a quick stroke, showing that he can thrive in deep water.
A brief moment this week also highlighted the cold reality between him and Davis. Mason confirmed that the two were in the same building recently.
“Yes, he was there.”
When asked if Davis had spoken to him, the answer was short.
“No, he doesn’t say anything.”
Mason did not try to turn the meeting into a topic. He sees peace and continues. It is consistent with his whole approach. There is no stage drama or public debates here. Just two fighters go in different directions, while one stays behind to hold the fort with a lightweight.
While Mason admits he will eventually step up, he sees it as a natural step rather than an exit strategy.
“If I go up, I will get my degree,” he said. “I’ll be there wherever I am.”
For now, he’s not asking for attention or trying to rewrite the past. He stands firmly at 135 and invites anyone left in the weight class to meet him. If he continues to throw high-profile opponents, the debate about who stayed and who left will be settled in the history books.
