‘It’s Time to Roll the Dice’: Three Potential Next Opponents for Joe Cordina
On Saturday, November 4, Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs) retained his IBF super-featherweight title at the Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin in Monte Carlo, Monaco. in a close-fought battle against American Edward Vasquez. The Welshman won the fight via majority decision, with the judge’s scorecards reading 114-114 and 116-112 x2.
Cordina started well in the pocket, landing hurtful body punches. Vasquez was unfazed and continued to come forward, with his accuracy and work rate shining through. The Welsh fighter then showed his ability to box at a distance – staying behind the jab, which negated the strengths of the Texan native.
The pressure tactics of Vasquez continued to cause Cordina problems and forced him into engaging more than necessary. As the fight progressed, it was a back-and-forth contest, but doing the smarter work throughout was enough for the Matchroom fighter to get the decision. After defeating Vasquez, Big Fight Weekend have decided to look at three potential next opponents for Cordina.
Three Potential Opponents for Joe Cordina
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Leigh Wood
Straight after the victory over Vasquez, Eddie Hearn spoke of potential fights for Cordina, and one name mentioned was an all-British fight against Leigh Wood (28-3, 17 KOs). Hearn also said: “Its time to roll the dice.” This fight would undoubtedly be a money spinner, with both fighters sure to have their supporters in their corner for this contest. A win here would increase Cordina’s reputation and attract more interest from the boxing world.
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“Leigh-thal” would help ensure this would be a great fight. He has a massive heart, as proven by come-from-behind wins against Michael Conlan and Josh Warrington. He has an incredible engine, and his shot selection is equally impressive. Cordina will be wise to control the distance and stay behind his effective jab to beat the Nottingham fighter.
O’Shaquie Foster
O’Shaquie Foster (21-2, 12 KOs) is a viable next opponent for Cordina as he is the current holder of the WBC super featherweight title. This would present an opportunity for Cordina to collect another world title. He has mentioned that Hearn has told him: “There’s no money in the fight, it can’t be made. No one really knows him over there or over here.” Despite the financial rewards being less to fight Foster, winning another world title would only increase the options for Cordina.
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The Texan native would prove a challenging opponent for Welshman, as proven by his entertaining win over Eduardo Hernández. Foster has impressive ring IQ and speed while being strong at the weight. Cordina will need to box intelligently against the American – and would need to establish his jab before Foster settles into the fight.
Emanuel Navarrete
Emanuel Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) against Cordina would be an explosive fight, with the Mexican being the current WBO world junior lightweight champion. When asked about a potential clash against Navarrete, Cordina couldn’t hide his feelings: “When I look at Navarrete, my mouth waters.”
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The Mexican fighter has proven he possesses power with his KO win over Liam Wilson. He is an impressive volume puncher who throws his shots from a variety of angles – ensuring Cordina will need to be defensively solid and make sure his movement is at its best. A contest between Navarrete and Cordina would be a battle of the jabs, but the Welshman will need to fight intelligently when in the pocket and not get caught too often by the Mexican.
