Mason revealed that he and Bell have sparred together multiple times over the past year.
“Yeah, I definitely crossed paths with him. He was at 130. I sparred with him a few times, and he moved up to my division. I definitely didn’t expect this fight to be happening. I didn’t see myself fighting him, but everything happens for a reason,” said Mason to Ariel Helwani.
Despite their history together, Mason welcomed Bell’s willingness to step in on short notice.
“It’s a great opportunity for him, and it’s going to save the day. Me still having a fight card and being able to perform on July 4 is because he was able to step in as a last-minute opponent. I’m definitely grateful for him being able to step in, and I’m just ready to get it on,” said Abdullah.
The familiarity extends beyond a few rounds in the gym. Mason said Bell is someone he considers a friend, making this one of the more unusual championship fights of his career.
“It’s a little awkward. That’s definitely my guy for sure. We’ve been in the gym, had conversations. I’m cool with his team, cool with him, his pops. That’s definitely my guy, but boxing is boxing. He got the call, he accepted the fight, so we’re going to get it on. After that, we could go back to being guys after the fight.”
When asked how recently they sparred, Mason said it was sometime last year and estimated they had worked several sessions together.
Although he acknowledged Bell represents a step up in competition, Mason remains confident he will successfully defend his title in front of his hometown fans.
“I’ve been in there with him. I definitely feel like this is going to be a fight the fans are going to enjoy. It’s a great step up from the rest of my opponents that I fought. He has some good skills, and whoever has the better skills that night will win. I believe that’s going to be me,” said Mason.
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