Sam Noakes has taken one of the most unconventional journeys in modern boxing. The 28-year-old lightweight from Maidstone has gone from roofing jobs, call-centre shifts and marathon runs on a whim to standing on the brink of becoming a world champion. This Saturday in Riyadh, Noakes faces undefeated American prodigy Abdullah Mason for the vacant WBO lightweight title, marking the biggest moment of his career so far.

The Unlikely Beginning: A Mum’s Instinct and a Teen With Too Much Energy

Noakes’ story starts long before the bright lights of Saudi Arabia. As a restless teenager with more energy than direction, he was pushed into boxing by his mother, Sharon, who simply wanted a safe outlet for her son’s wild behaviour. The decision changed his life.

Sharon has been one of Noakes’ strongest supporters, but also, amusingly, one of the greatest allies of his opponents. After Noakes won his professional debut against Chris Adaway, she even reached out to the Plymouth fighter on Facebook to check he was alright. The two eventually became friends, something Noakes laughingly warns her not to repeat after this weekend’s fight.

Leaving Behind Roofing, Railways and Day Jobs

Before boxing became his career, Noakes worked several jobs: a call centre, a fast-food restaurant and the heavy graft of roofing. He jokes that he was a “fair-weather roofer” because he used rainy days as an excuse to head back to the van instead of up a ladder.

His working life didn’t end immediately once he turned professional. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted boxing, Noakes returned to work on the railways with his brother, serving as a strapper’s assistant and helping cut power on electrical lines. The long hours in the van, and one snack-heavy night in particular, led him to impulsively run a full marathon the next day in 3 hours and 40 minutes.

That unpredictable mix of determination and raw work ethic continues to define him.

A Steady, Traditional Climb Through the Lightweight Ranks

Since turning pro after winning the ABAs in 2019, Noakes has built a perfect record of 17 wins from 17 fights, with 15 knockouts. He has captured British, Commonwealth and European titles in traditional fashion, fighting through each level rather than seeking shortcuts.

This measured rise has set up his world-title opportunity against Mason, one of the division’s most talked-about rising stars. Mason enters the bout with 19 wins, 17 by knockout, and has been touted as one of America’s next elite champions.

Elite Experience From Sparring Shakur Stevenson

Noakes’ belief that he belongs on the world stage grew earlier this year when he shared sparring rounds in London with WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, widely regarded as the best lightweight in the sport.

According to Noakes, those sessions were competitive, encouraging and perfectly timed.

“It gave confidence that I could mix it at the very top,” he said.

That confidence will be essential as Noakes steps into a stacked fight card in Riyadh, headlined by David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde at light heavyweight.

From Railway Straps to Championship Straps

In Riyadh, Noakes has the chance to complete one of British boxing’s most inspiring modern climbs. The kid who once helped cut power lines on night shifts and who ran a marathon just to burn off junk food is now one win away from lifting a world title belt.

If successful, he’ll walk away with a far more prestigious strap than the ones he handled on the railways.