Analysis
4 potential next opponents for Shabaz Masoud after win over Peter McGrail
4 potential next opponents for Shabaz Masoud after win over Peter McGrail
On December 6 at Salle des Étoiles, Monte Carlo, Shabaz Masoud defeated Peter McGrail to become the European super bantamweight champion. The entire card was shown live on DAZN.
After the hard-fought victory, attention turned to what could be next for Masoud, with the Stoke fighter teasing a move up to bantamweight.
4 potential next opponents for Shabaz Masoud
Shabaz Masoud (15-0, 4 KOs) vs Peter McGrail (12-2, 6 KOs) was an intriguing battle, with the Liverpudlian starting fast, letting his combinations go. Masoud soon got into his stride, timing his punches impressively as McGrail came in. The work from the Stoke fighter in the middle rounds proved enough, despite a strong ending to the fight from McGrail. The scorecards read 116-111, 115-112, and 114-113, all in favour of the Stoke fighter.
After the win, Masoud spoke about his aims for the future:
“I’ve got big plans,” he said. “I’m struggling making super-bantamweight and I don’t mind moving up for a world title.
“There’s a British world champion at the weight above, Nick Ball. That’s the fight I want. I need to move up.”
Nick Ball
After his win, Shabaz Masoud specifically welcomed a fight against WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs). A bout between these two would be a fascinating clash of styles, with Ball’s relentless pressure tactics against Masoud’s exceptional timing.
Ball is at his best when allowed to dictate the tempo, so Masoud’s timing would be a vital weapon to pick the Liverpudlian off.
Angelo Leo
Angelo Leo (26-1, 12 KOs) is the current IBF featherweight champion. His one loss came against Stephen Fulton back in 2021. He won the title in 2024, with a highlight reel KO against Luis Alberto Lopez. He’s a sharp counterpuncher who moves well and picks his punches impressively.
Should he and Masoud fight, Leo will need to draw Masoud out and punch in between the Stoke fighters’ punches. It’s tough to disrupt Leo, but Masoud has the IQ to trouble him.
Stephen Fulton
Stephen Fulton (23-2, 8 KOs) is the current WBC featherweight champion, but he recently missed weight for a super featherweight title shot against O’Shaquie Foster before they fought for a WBC interim lightweight title. Fulton’s missing weight was even more shocking, as he was moving up in weight.
It was a disappointing performance from Fulton, losing a wide decision to Foster, with scorecards of 118-110, 119-109, and 117-111. It remains to be seen if Fulton will be seen at featherweight again or if Bruce Carrington will be elevated or ordered to fight Brandon Figueroa.
Rafael Espinoza
The final name on our list is Rafael Espinoza (28-0, 24 KOs), the current WBO featherweight champion. Espinoza’s height and reach make him a nightmare for any opponent. He uses his height to control the distance and tempo in his fights.
He’s adept at fighting on the outside and inside, possessing KO power in both hands. He keeps his work rate high and has looked in control throughout his career. Masoud would need to fight at midrange against Espinoza and work the body to slow the Mexican down. It would be a tough ask for Shabaz Masoud, but he has the capabilities to trouble Espinoza.
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Andy Cruz to win a world title. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.
