Joe Cordina Retains IBF Super-Featherweight Title in Close-Fought Battle

On Saturday, November 4, Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs) defeated American Edward Vasquez (15-2, 3 KOs) and retained his IBF super-featherweight title in a close-fought battle at the Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The event was shown live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe (except Australia and New Zealand) and was a show promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Joe Cordina Defeats Vasquez

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Cordina Retains IBF Super-Featherweight Title

The Cardiff native became a two-time super featherweight champion when he defeated Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov on April 22, 2023. He first won the IBF strap with a booming KO victory against Kenichi Ogawa on June 4, 2022.

Cordina started well in the first round, as he showed his skillset while in the pocket, firing body shots into his opponent. Vaquez showed his bravery early in the fight as he kept coming forward, putting together telling combinations.

The Welshman looked at his best when he used his jab more often and negated the pressure tactics of his American opponent, keeping him at a distance. As we entered the championship rounds, Vasquez showed no signs of tiring. Despite the more eye-catching work from Cordina, the pressure tactics from the Texan native were yielding positive results.

The 12th round was a barnstormer that went back and forth, with both fighters showing power, speed and classy combinations.

The judge’s scorecards read 114-114, 116-112, 116-112, awarding the majority decision to the Welsh fighter.

Post-fight Quotes

When asked in the post-fight interview for his views on the fight, Cordina said: “He’s a tricky fighter. He’s a good fighter.”

Joe reiterated that he agreed with the scorecards: “I done enough to win the fight.”

Vasquez wasn’t happy with the scorecards – and made his feelings known in the ring: “Everyone knows I won.” He continued: “He has no power.”

Cordina then pointed at his belt and asked the Texan native: “Who won the fight?”

Eddie Hearn mentioned how entertaining the fight was and spoke about potential options for Cordina and that unifying the division is an option, as is fighting Leigh Wood. Hearn summarised: “I believe he can beat everyone at 130lbs.”

Cordina vs. Vasquez Undercard Results

Sivenathi Nontshinga (12-1, 9 KOs) lost his IBF light flyweight title to Adrian Curiel (24-4-1, 5 KOs). Curiel landed a massive right hand, knocking “The Special One” out, causing the shock of the undercard. Nontshinga started well, looking sharp and showcasing his impressive hand speed. Curiel was unfazed and kept coming forward and throwing with intent, and the right hand was a peach of a punch, which saw him win the IBF light flyweight title.

Undefeated Souleymane Cissokho (17-0, 9 KOs) defeated Isaias Lucero (16-2, 10 KOs) in their Junior middleweight clash via unanimous decision, with the judges scorecards reading 118-109 x2 and 117-110. Cissokho knocked down his opponent in round two but could not finish the fight and appeared to be fighting within himself throughout. 

Ramla Ali (9-1, 2 KOs) defeated Julissa Guzman (13-3-2, 7 KOs) via unanimous decision – in the super bantamweight division. The judges all scored the fight 96-94. Ali boxed diligently behind an effective jab, which frustrated Guzman. It’s an impressive victory for the Somali-born fighter who, who with this win, avenged the only blemish on her record.