Joe Cordina

Joe Cordina (born 1 December 1991) is a Welsh professional boxer. He is a two-time super-featherweight world champion, having held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title since April 2023 and previously in 2022. At regional level, he held the British and Commonwealth lightweight titles between 2018 and 2019. As an amateur, he won a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and gold at the 2015 European Championships, both in the lightweight division. He also represented Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Joe Cordina
Cordina in 2016
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Reach69 in (175 cm)
Born (1991-12-01) 1 December 1991[1]
Cardiff, Wales
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights16
Wins16
Wins by KO9
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  Great Britain
European Amateur Championships
Gold medal – first place 2015 Samokov Lightweight
Representing  Wales
Commonwealth Games
Bronze medal – third place 2014 Glasgow Lightweight
World Combat Games
Silver medal – second place 2010 Beijing Bantamweight

Early life

Cordina is of Maltese heritage.[2]

Amateur career

At the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, he lost in the first round of the lightweight event to Eugen Burhard of Germany by a score of 7–13.[2] In 2012 Cordina won a bronze medal at the European Under-22 Boxing Championships held in Russia. He defeated German boxer Artur Bril in his quarterfinal bout before losing 13–12 to Russian Maksim Shmiglev in the semi-finals.[3] He was eliminated from the 2013 AIBA World Boxing Championships after losing his first bout in the lightweight event to Lázaro Álvarez of Cuba.[2] At the 2012 European Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament he was eliminated after his bout against David Joyce of Ireland was stopped in the third round.[2][4]

He represented Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland. Competing in the men's lightweight division he defeated Pat McCormack of England in the first round,[5] the Canada's David Gauthier in the round of 16.[6] In the quarterfinals he defeated Chad Milnes of New Zealand, guaranteeing himself at least a bronze medal.[7] He lost his semi-final to Scotland's Charlie Flynn by a split judge's decision and was eliminated from the tournament, to finish with a bronze medal.[8]

Cordina won the lightweight gold medal at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria, beating Otan Eranosyan of Georgia in the final. He was the only British boxer to win a gold medal at the event.[9] At the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships held in Doha, Qatar, he reached the quarterfinals of the lightweight division by beating Kwon Chol-guk of North Korea in the round of 16,[10] but was then eliminated after losing to Robson Conceição of Brazil.[11][12]

He boxed at the 2016 European Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament in Samsun, Turkey. He secured qualification for the lightweight event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by beating David Joyce, who had eliminated him from the 2012 Olympic qualification tournament, in the semi-finals.[4][13][14]

Professional career

Early career

Cordina made his professional debut as a super-featherweight on 22 April 2017 at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, scoring a fourth-round technical knockout (TKO) victory over José Aguilar in a scheduled four round contest.[15] Cordina next faced Sergej Vib on 29 April 2017, on the Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko undercard. He won the fight by a first-round technical knockout. Cordina faced Josh Thorne on 27 May 2017, in his third professional bout. He won it by a first-round stoppage, as Thorne retired at the end of the opening round.[16] Cordina faced Jamie Speight on 1 September 2017, and extended his winning streak to four fights.[17] Cordina faced Lester Cantillano on 28 October 2017 on the Anthony Joshua vs. Carlos Takam undercard. He won the fight on points, which was the first decision victory of his professional career.[18] Cordina faced Lee Connelly on 13 December 2017, in his final fight of the year. He won the fight by a fourth-round technical knockout.[19]

Cordina was booked to face Hakim Ben Ali for the vacant WBA International lightweight title on 31 March 2018, on the Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker undercard.[20] He won the fight by a third-round technical knockout.[21]

Cordina vs. Dodd

Cordina made his first regional title defense against Sean Dodd on 4 August 2018, in a fight which was simultaneously a bout for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title as well.[22] He won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 117–112, 119–109 and 120–109.[23]

Cordina vs. Townend

Cordina faced Andy Townend on 20 April 2019 in his first Commonwealth title defense. The vacant British lightweight title was on the line as well.[24] He won the fight by a sixth-round technical knockout.[25]

Cordina vs. Gwynne

Cordina made the first defense of the British and Commonwealth titles on 31 August 2019.[26] He won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 116–110, 116–111 and 116–110.[27]

Rise up the ranks

Cordina was scheduled to fight Enrique Tinoco for the vacant WBA Continental super-featherweight title on 30 November 2019. He won the fight by unanimous decision, with two judges scoring the fight 98–92 in his favor, while the third judge scored it 96–94 for him.[28]

Cordina faced Faroukh Kourbanov on 20 March 2021, following a 16-month absence from the sport. He won the fight by a close majority decision, with scores of 96–95, 96–96 and 98–93.[29]

Cordina next faced Joshuah Hernandez on 14 August 2021.[30] He won the fight by a first-round knockout, stopping Hernandez after just 53 seconds.[31]

Cordina made his first WBA Continental title defense against Miko Khatchatryan on 11 December 2021, over two years after he had won it. He won the fight by unanimous decision, with two judges scoring the fight 98–92 for him, while the third judge scored it 100–90 in his favor.[32]

Cordina vs. Ogawa

Cordina KO'd Kenichi Ogawa in the second round to become the IBF super featherweight champion on 4 June 2022, at the Motorpoint Arena in Cordina's native Cardiff, Wales.[33]

Cordina was next scheduled to defend his belt against Shavkat Rakhimov on 5 November, 2022. Due to a hand injury, Cordina had to pull out of the fight and was subsequently stripped of his IBF belt.[34]

Personal life

In 2015 he had a daughter.[9]

Professional boxing record
16 fights 16 wins 0 losses
By knockout 9 0
By decision 7 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
16 Win 16–0 Shavkat Rakhimov SD 12 22 Apr 2023 Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff, Wales Won IBF super-featherweight title
15 Win 15–0 Kenichi Ogawa KO 2 (12), 1:15 4 Jun 2022 Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales Won IBF super-featherweight title
14 Win 14–0 Miko Khatchatryan UD 10 11 Dec 2021 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England Retained WBA Continental super-featherweight title
13 Win 13–0 Joshuah Hernandez KO 1 (10), 0:53 14 Aug 2021 Matchroom Headquarters, Brentwood, England
12 Win 12–0 Faroukh Kourbanov MD 10 20 Mar 2021 The SSE Arena, London, England
11 Win 11–0 Enrique Tinoco UD 10 30 Nov 2019 Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin, Monte Carlo, Monaco Won vacant WBA Continental super-featherweight title
10 Win 10–0 Gavin Gwynne UD 12 31 Aug 2019 The O2 Arena, London, England Retained British and Commonwealth lightweight titles
9 Win 9–0 Andy Townend TKO 6 (12), 2:51 20 Apr 2019 The O2 Arena, London, England Retained Commonwealth lightweight title;
Won vacant British lightweight title
8 Win 8–0 Sean Dodd UD 12 4 Aug 2018 Ice Arena Wales, Cardiff, Wales Retained WBA International lightweight title;
Won vacant Commonwealth lightweight title
7 Win 7–0 Hakim Ben Ali TKO 3 (10), 2:41 31 Mar 2018 Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales Won vacant WBA International lightweight title
6 Win 6–0 Lee Connelly TKO 4 (8), 2:19 13 Dec 2017 York Hall, London, England
5 Win 5–0 Lester Cantillano PTS 4 28 Oct 2017 Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
4 Win 4–0 Jamie Speight TKO 1 (6), 2:28 1 Sep 2017 York Hall, London, England
3 Win 3–0 Josh Thorne RTD 1 (4), 3:00 27 May 2017 Bramall Lane, Sheffield, England
2 Win 2–0 Sergej Vib TKO 1 (4), 1:59 29 Apr 2017 Wembley Stadium, London, England
1 Win 1–0 Jose Aguilar TKO 4 (4), 2:17 22 Apr 2017 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England

See also

References
  1. "Glasgow 2014 - Joseph Cordina Profile". g2014results.thecgf.com.
  2. "60KG – Joseph Cordina". AIBA. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  3. "Boxing: Joe Cordina claims European bronze". Wales Online. 19 December 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  4. "Joe Cordina qualifies for 2016 Rio Olympics!". Boxing Wales. 15 April 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  5. Lewis, Ron (26 July 2014). "Joe Cordina lifts Welsh spirits with victory over Pat McCormack". The Times. UK. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  6. Selby, Andrew (27 July 2014). "Commonwealth Games 2014: Boxer Joe Cordina powers his way into quarter-finals". Wales Online. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  7. Penman, Andrew (29 July 2014). "Medal in the bag, but Joe Cordina wants gold". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  8. Penman, Andrew (1 August 2014). "Joe Cordina beaten as Welsh boxers have to settle for bronze". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  9. Griffiths, Gareth (17 August 2015). "Boxing superstar Joe Cordina celebrating European gold, just a month after becoming a father for the first time". Wales Online. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  10. Grifiths, Gareth (9 October 2015). "Welsh boxer Joe Cordina moves into World Championships quarter-final". Wales Online. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  11. "Boxing World Championships: Joe Joyce into semi-finals but trio lose". BBC Sport. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  12. Griffiths, Gareth (12 October 2015). "Welsh boxer Joe Cordina bows out in World Championships quarter-finals". Wales Online. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  13. "Joe Cordina: Olympic qualification 'means everything'". BBC Sport. 15 April 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  14. "Olympic boxing: Nicola Adams among eight British qualifiers for Rio 2016". BBC Sport. 15 April 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  15. "Joe Cordina: Welsh boxer beats Jose Aguilar on pro boxing debut". bbc.com. 22 April 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  16. "Welsh boxer Joe Cordina wins third professional bout in Sheffield". bbc.com. 28 May 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  17. Horan, Matt (1 September 2017). "NXTGEN: Joe Cordina extends his perfect unbeaten record with a stoppage victory over Jamie Speight". skysports.com. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  18. Rathborn, Jack; Domin, Martin (29 October 2017). "Anthony Joshua beats Carlos Takam in controversial 10th round stoppage to retain WBA (Super) and IBF world heavyweight titles". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  19. "Taylor vs McCaskill: Joe Cordina stops Lee Connelly in four rounds at York Hall". skysports.com. 13 December 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  20. Foster, Elliot (26 March 2018). "Joe Cordina To Face Hakim Ben Ali On Joshua-Parker". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  21. Southcombe, Matthew (31 March 2018). "Classy Joe Cordina clinches first professional title after straightforward victory in his hometown". walesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  22. British Boxing News (23 June 2018). "Joe Cordina clashes with Sean 'Masher' Dodd for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title". britishboxingnews.co.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  23. Horan, Matt (5 August 2018). "Cordina vs Dodd: Joe Cordina cruises to Commonwealth title win over Sean Dodd". skysports.com. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  24. Press Release (2 April 2019). "Joe Cordina is looking to impress when he fights Andy Townend". ringnews24.com. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  25. Christ, Scott (20 April 2019). "Allen vs Browne results: Joe Cordina dominates and stops Andy Townend". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  26. Random Hits (30 August 2019). "Joe Cordina Very Motivated To Do a Job on Gavin Gwynne". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  27. "Joe Cordina defeats Gavin Gwynne on points to keep titles". bbc.com. 31 August 2019. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  28. "Joe Cordina Outclasses Mario Enrique Tinoco In Monte Carlo". boxingwales.com. 30 November 2019. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  29. Collins, Jack (21 March 2021). "Joe Cordina overcomes Faroukh Kourbanov on his return after 16 months out of the ring". skysports.com. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  30. Pearlman, Michael (12 August 2021). "Joe Cordina: Welsh boxer looking to make up for lost time". bbc.com. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  31. "Joe Cordina defeats Hernandez to extend unbeaten record". bbc.com. 14 August 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  32. "Joe Cordina defeats Miko Khatchatryan for the WBA Continental Title". boxen247.com. 12 December 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  33. "尾川堅一、6月に初の防衛戦 IBFスーパーフェザー級". nikkei.com. 4 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  34. Christ, Scott (4 October 2022). "Joe Cordina out of Nov. 5 title defense, stripped by IBF". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
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