Joe Cordina’s Ambition to Become a Two-Weight World Champion
Joe Cordina, a notable figure in professional boxing from Wales, has taken a significant step toward achieving his ambition of becoming a two-weight world champion. In a recent bout held in Stockton, California, Cordina faced Gabriel Flores Jr., securing a unanimous points victory after a dominant performance. Judges rendered scores of 117-110, 115-112, and 114-113 in favor of Cordina, displaying his control over the match despite a setback when he received a point deduction in the sixth round for rabbit punching.
Significance of the Fight
This fight was critical as it served as a final eliminator for the WBO lightweight world title, recently claimed by Abdullah Mason after an intense showdown with Sam Noakes last November. At 34 years old, Cordina, who previously held the IBF super-featherweight title, showcased his skills after returning from a 14-month hiatus; he had previously triumphed over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz to capture the vacant WBO global lightweight title in July.
Match Highlights
Despite a brief scare in the seventh round when Flores landed a knee-buckling uppercut, Cordina maintained his composure and continued to apply pressure, demonstrating a pace that his opponent struggled to match. Cordina’s victory marks his second win in the lightweight category, boosting his professional record to 19 victories against just one loss, the latter occurring against Anthony Cacace in Riyadh for his former 130lb title in May 2024.
Future Prospects
With this recent win, Cordina is expected to rise to the status of number one contender by the WBO, positioning him as a mandatory challenger for Mason’s title. This latest success adds to the Welshman’s journey towards his goal of conquering another weight class and solidifying his legacy in the sport.
