Maidstone boxer Sam Noakes is dreaming of a fight in Las Vegas or Wembley Stadium after securing a world title shot.

Noakes, 27, will face 21-year-old American Abdullah Mason for the vacant WBO lightweight crown in a clash of two fighters boasting 100 per cent records.

The WBO have ordered the fight after previous champion Keyshawn Davis was stripped of the belt after failing to make the weight for his last contest.

“It’s all a bit mental, isn’t it,” Noakes told KentOnline.

“I’ve always believed in myself and always knew I’d get there but when you hear it, you’re like, ‘Whoa’.

“It’s just been an unreal journey.

“I’ve done everything that’s been asked of me, trained hard and it’s all paying off.

“I’ve got great people around me and it’s just brilliant, isn’t it?

“It’s what we’ve wanted the whole time.

“Mason’s an unbelievable fighter, isn’t he?

“I think we’re both at the same stage where we’re coming up and want to blast on to the world scene, so what a time to do it.”

Noakes, the British, European, Commonwealth and WBO International champion, has won all 17 bouts since turning pro in 2019, including 15 by stoppage.

Mason has 19 wins to his name, with 17 coming inside the distance.

Noakes, a former Valley Park pupil and Westree amateur, has been working towards a world title shot, and he has his wish after the WBO ruling.

A date and venue are expected to be finalised over the next couple of weeks.

The undercard of the huge undisputed super-middleweight title fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford in Las Vegas on September 13 could be a possibility.

That would suit Noakes, as would a date at Wembley Stadium should Tyson Fury come out of retirement to fight Anthony Joshua, a fight that’s been talked about for years.

“I am up for whatever,” said Noakes.

“If they were to suggest Vegas, on the Canelo v Crawford undercard, I would definitely be willing to go over there.

“I was thinking about going over to watch that fight anyway, let alone be on the card.

“On the flipside, if we could do it at Wembley, or somewhere like that, I’d be up for that.

“Wembley would be my favourite. Vegas would be unreal but Wembley on a Riyadh Season card or some massive heavyweight fight would be unbelievable.

“I’m daydreaming here but imagine if Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua got announced and we could fight at a sold-out Wembley.

“I will always remember this moment, whatever happens.

“I will always remember the ring-walk, the whole build-up to this fight. I just think it’s going to be unreal. I can’t wait.”

“Sam deserves it,” said promoter Frank Warren.

“Sam’s worked very hard. He’s an exciting fighter.

“Abdullah’s a massive rising star, or prospect, in America but so is Sam over here, and that is a good fight, and Sam is capable of winning that.

“He has star potential. He’s a nice guy. He’s got a good following but, more importantly, he can fight.

“He’s a got a tremendous engine. When he’s in that ring, he’s all over you.

“He’s one of those, he doesn’t leave you alone, you don’t get any breathing space. He’s relentless.”

Noakes and brother Sean, the English welterweight champion, have put Maidstone firmly on the map with their boxing exploits.

A world title fight is great news for the town.

Cllr Dave Naghi, who has known the brothers and their mum, Sharon, for years, said: “If Sam wins the world title, he should have the freedom of the borough.

“Hearing the news that Sam is going for the world title is absolutely fantastic.

“He’s a local boy, who’s done well, putting Maidstone on the map worldwide.

“He’s a very nice bloke, and so is Sean, and their mother, Sharon, is one of the loveliest people you could ever wish to meet.”