The aspiration of being the main event in Las Vegas or a renowned venue such as Madison Square Garden is a cherished item on the bucket list of EACH British world champion.
Another memorable night for Welsh boxing was when Joe Cordina won the IBF super-featherweight world title in April of last year against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov. The Cardiff International Arena was filled with passionate fans who cheered Cordina on as he faced the storm brought by Rakhimov in what was considered a Fight of the Year contender.
Cordina, with an impressive record of 17-0 (9 KOs), showcased his finest skills on his most significant evening and emerged as a well-deserved victor. However, his current championship reign lacks the noteworthy matchup that could capture the spotlight in the United States.
He expressed, “I had assumed that once you become a world champion, fighting in America would be relatively effortless. However, it turns out to be more challenging than I anticipated. It’s quite difficult to secure opponents who are willing to step into the ring with you.”
“They consistently desire a substantial remuneration, and a few among them tend to inflate their worth. It falls upon the promoters to ensure this, but unfortunately, we have been unable to achieve that thus far.”
Cordina spoke to Boxing News in the heat and humidity of another Riyadh fight week. Another heavyweight attraction takes centre stage and they don’t come much bigger than the undisputed showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Sitting in the chief support slot is Cordina and Belfast’s Anthony ‘The Apache’ Cacace, 21-1-1 (7 KOs), who is the second man, after Edward Vazquez, to try and take the title from Cordina.
Cacace isn’t the opponent Cordina is looking for to change his family’s future. This is a primary objective for the champion who wants to ensure that after he’s gone there will be no financial worries for his partner and children. Vazquez was another who didn’t get the champion’s blood pumping and almost paid the ultimate price because of that and, as he admitted to BN, “made a couple of wrong decisions which showed in my performance.”
What are his opinions about Cacace?
“After witnessing his match against my stable mate, Martin J Ward, I have been closely monitoring his progress. Despite Martin’s victory, I have continued to observe his performance.”
“He is a skilled fighter, technically proficient, with excellent footwork and a strategic mindset. He possesses an unconventional style that makes him a formidable opponent, and I cannot underestimate him. I must not approach this match thinking it will be easy because he has not competed at the highest level before. He is determined to achieve a world title, just like me. If we fail to win this fight, what comes next for both of us? My ultimate goal is to secure my family’s future, and he stands as an obstacle in my path. We are both in a similar position.”
Currently, the super-featherweight division lacks an abundance of skillful fighters who could elevate Cordina’s reputation to the dazzling heights of the Vegas strip. O’Shaquie Foster (WBC champion) and Lamont Roach (WBA) are certainly talented individuals, but due to their limited popularity in the US, it would require Cordina to entice them to compete in the UK.
On Saturday night in San Diego, Mexican beloved boxer Emanuel Navarrete will be making a move to the lightweight division, aiming for a chance to win the vacant WBO strap. His opponent for the exciting match will be Denys Berinchyk.
Oscar Valdez, the ex-champion, rediscovered his winning spirit in a match against Liam Wilson, and there are chances of him being elevated to full WBO status if his former opponent remains in the lightweight category. Nevertheless, Cordina is becoming weary of empty promises and constantly hearing names without any concrete outcomes.
Another option to consider is the intense showdown between former featherweights who have transitioned to super-featherweights, Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington.
While they may not particularly interest me, if the financial aspect is substantial, then sure. My preference lies in competing for prestigious titles or against renowned individuals on a global scale. However, as long as there is sufficient monetary compensation, it won’t pose any issues.
If Cordina is seeking renowned fighters, his tenure at 130lbs may be nearing its conclusion. The lightweight division is teeming with talent, and if Navarette is content with his new domain, he will join the ranks of Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and Vasyl Lomachenko as titleholders. Additionally, an array of formidable contenders, including William Zepeda, Frank Martin, Arnold Barboza, Gary Cully, Keyshawn Davis, Raymond Muratalla, and others, add further depth to the division.
Cordina stated that there is no issue if Stevenson desires to engage in a fight, as he is willing to take on the undefeated American.
At the end of the day, my willingness to fight is solely determined by the amount of money involved. Unlike Shakur, I am aware that time is not on my side due to my older age. Therefore, my main focus now is to maximize my earnings. While winning titles and obtaining money go hand in hand for me, Shakur is primarily focused on making a name for himself and leaving a mark in history. I have already accomplished all that I desired, except for ensuring financial security for my family.
Cordina would be eager to face Lomachenko, who showcased his mesmerizing skills once again in his recent bout against George Kambosos Jr.
Cordina remarked, “I was raised watching him.”
I attribute my proficiency in the amateurs to the meticulous observation of my opponent’s footwork. The chance to face Lomachenko would be monumental for me, as I would relish the opportunity to compete alongside him in the boxing ring. It wouldn’t simply be a matter of being in the same ring as Lomachenko; rather, it would be an honor to engage in combat and showcase my skills alongside him.
“I intend to deliver a powerful blow that will remove his chin, yet I must acknowledge his exceptional fighting skills. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest fighters in history and will be remembered as an all-time legend.”
