Joe Cordina won a razor-thin majority decision over Edward Vazquez to retain the IBF Junior Lightweight title at Casino De Monaco in Monte Carlo.

It was a close fight with Vazquez pushing the fight on the inside. Cordina was able to land some good combinations in the nip-and-tuck battle.

Cordina, 129.9 lbs of Cardiff, WAL won by scores of 116-112 twice and 114-114 and is now 17-9. Vazquez, 128.8 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 15-2.

Adrian Curiel shocked Sivenathi Nontshinga with a stunning second round stoppage to win the IBF Light Flyweight title.

Curiel landed a booming overhand right that sent Nontshinga down and out at 1:09.

Curiel, 107.9 lbs of Mexico City is 24-4-1 with five knockouts. Nontshinga, 107.7 lbs of Reeston, SA is 12-1.

Soueymane Cissokho won a 12-round unanimous decision over Isaias Lucero in a welterweight bout.

In round 11, Lucero was cut around his right eye.

Cissokho, 146.5 lbs of Paris won by scores of 118-109 twice and 117-110 and is 17-0. Lucero, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 16-2.

In round two, Cissokho dropped Lucero with a right Hamd.

Ramla Ali avenged her only professional defeat by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Julissa Alejandra Guzman in a super bantamweight bout.

Ali, who was stopped by Guzman in February, won by scores of 96-94 on all cards and is now 9-1. Guzman, 121.5 lbs of Ciudad, MEX is 13-3-2.

10 x 2 mins vacant WBA International Super-Bantamweight Title
JULISSA ALEJANDRA GUZMAN 121.5 lbs v RAMLA ALI 121.8 lbs
(Ciudad Obregon, Mexico)                              (Mogadishu, Somalia)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBC Silver Welterweight Title
SOULEYMANE CISSOKHO 146.6 lbs v ISAIAS LUCERO 147 lbs
(Paris, France)                                         (Tijuana, Mexico)

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF Light-Flyweight World Title
SIVENATHI NONTSHINGA 107.7 lbs v ADRIAN CURIEL DOMINGUEZ 107.9 lbs
(Reeston, South Africa)                        (Mexico City, Mexico)

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF Super-Featherweight World Title
JOE CORDINA 129.9 lbs v EDWARD VAZQUEZ 128.8 lbs
(Cardiff, Wales)                   (Fort Worth, USA)

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
 
“Welcome to Monaco and it feels so good to be back with our friends at SBM and Casino de Monte Carlo ahead of a huge night of World championship boxing, a double-header of World championship action live from Monaco on DAZN around the world.
 
“It’s been four years since we graced this venue, a unique environment for boxing.
 
“The main event, in my opinion, the best 130-pounder in the world, Joe Cordina will defend his IBF title against Edward Vazquez, a tough fight for Joe as he looks to unify the division in 2024 and Sivenathi Nontshinga defends his IBF strap against Adrian Curiel Dominguez in our other World title bout and he’s one of the most exciting fighters in the world after a couple of incredible fights, one in his native South Africa and a fight of the year contender in Mexico.
 
“We believe Souleymane Cissokho is France’s next World champion and he’s in a good fight with Isaias Lucero, and for me, one of the fights of the night, Ramla Ali will attempt to overcome the defeat she suffered to Julissa Guzman in a fantastic female fight on the card.”
 
Joe Cordina:
 
“It’s been four years since I boxed here last and it’s a special place that has a special place in my heart.
 
“He’s a good fighter, I’ve never once disrespected him. I’m taking this very seriously, don’t worry about that. I saw in an interview that I am taking him lightly, trust me, I’ve never taken a journeyman lightly never mind a world title fight. This is a fight that can potentially set up my future and my kids’ future. I’ve got three kids to look after so every time it gets tough, I think of my kids. Without me winning on Saturday, those big fights aren’t going to be there for me, so I’ll do everything possible to get the win.
 
“He’s going to bring it because it’s a big opportunity for him. He’s a good fighter, I watched the fight against Ford, and I thought he should have had it, so he’s going to bring the heat but I am ready to match it. 
 
“People said I didn’t have power, I knocked out Ogawa. Then they said I can only look pretty, and I showed I can dig down against Rakhimov. If you come into the gym and see how I train and spar, I do that on the daily, but the Rakhimov fight is the only one that I’ve had to get out of first gear. So, me saying you have to be special to beat me, it’s not being cocky, I believe in my ability. I’ve done it time after time as a pro and all through my 180 amateur fights, I’ve beaten some great, great fighters that have won Olympic and World medals. It’s not a fluke, I am the real deal.
 
“I’m hoping Michael will give me a few more tickets to get my fans in! I told them not to book until I found out the deal with the tickets, but they booked anyway. They have come over anyway and they’ll be in the Irish bar waiting for me to get out, but first and foremost I’ve got to get the job done on Saturday. I know he’s going to put it all on the line, and I am ready to do the same too.”
 
Edward Vazquez:
 
“I’m thankful to Matchroom and Lou DiBella for this opportunity, I feel like everyone has their time and this is my time. I’m here for a reason, I’m blessed to be here, and I am prepared. If you have looked at my career, I’ve been the challenger every time and I’ve come out on top, except from that bullshit call, you know what I am talking about (split decision loss to Raymond Ford, February 2022). I’m here to pull the upset and ready to handover a Texas ass-whooping and do what we do.
 
“I hope he is overlooking me. I don’t care how he is looking at it, I just want him to be 100 per cent ready, I don’t want to hear any excuses. Every time I beat these guys that I am supposed to lose to, there’s always some bullshit excuse that comes out, like training camp was bad, my coach was bad, weigh-cut was bad, something like that. I don’t want to hear any of that; I’m 100 per cent ready, we had all the time to get ready for the fight so come Saturday night, we’ll see who the best man is.
 
“I just have to do me, listen to my coach and my team and stick to the game plan. He’s got a lot of great attributes, but he’s never been in there with someone like me and he’s going to find out.”
 
Sivenathi Nontshinga:
 
“Thank you for granting me this opportunity to fight here, I’m looking forward to the fight, I’ve been working hard with my team, and I am glad to be here. I believe it takes a special person to achieve such greatness.
 
“I am going to get inside the ring and do what I know, nothing more, nothing less. I expect a good clean fight, I am used to big stages now and the ability I have to get inside the ring and do the job, it makes me a special person and I want to give the people of Monaco a great fight like I did in Mexico.”
 
Adrian Curiel Dominguez:
 
“I am completely committed to getting this victory and taking the belt home to Mexico. I saw the Rocky Hernandez fight and I think it shows the hunger that we’ve got, I need to almost die to win this belt and he needs to be prepared to do the same if he wants to get the victory, but it will be me that gets it.”
 
Souleymane Cissokho
 
“I feel like I am at home fighting in Monaco, we’ve had a very good camp, working very hard and I can’t wait to get back in the ring on Saturday night.
 
“We are looking for those big title fights, so Isaias is a good fight for me, we know that Mexican fighters are very tough, so I can’t wait to share the ring with him and then move forward for World titles.”
 
Isaias Lucero:
 
“There’s lots of hunger to get the win. I’m really enjoying this experience so I want to go through and get the victory. I understand that it will be difficult because I am facing someone with great amateur pedigree, but I want to do my best.”
 
Julissa Guzman:
 
“It’s great to have another opportunity for a big fight but it’s different this time as I am defending what is mine. I am no longer the challenger, and this is going to make it even more difficult for Ramla, as I know you are going to run, and I am ready to fly at you in the ring. I am going to make good on my promise to knock you out. 
 
“I have to come through Saturday but as I have said before, the decision to take this rematch will go in my favour and after this fight, I want to face the best in the division because I want to be the best.”
 
Ramla Ali:
 
“It is a huge fight for me. A lot of people are saying to me ‘why are you jumping straight into this rematch?’ I was speaking to Steve Bunce earlier who was giving me props for it, but with me, my whole life has been riddled with challenges, as everyone knows my backstory has been talked about. I’ve had challenges in my personal life and my sporting life, and you have to accept those challenges. I was telling Steve; I was watching a Baseball movie and there was a quote that said ‘never let the fear of striking out keep you from plating the game’. So, you can never let fear keep you from doing what you want to do and from achieving your dreams and goals.
 
“All fights I have had in my opinion have been tough. I have trained equally as hard for my pro debut as I did for this camp. So, I consider every person in front of me as a challenge. I always try to stay disciplined; I like to get involved and have a bit of a tear-up, who doesn’t? Why do we box in the first place? But it is about staying disciplined, sticking to the game plan, listening to Manny Robles as I’ve probably given him more grey hairs in this camp than I have ever done. I know from that; it will be a great day on Saturday.”
 
Michael Wittstock:
 
“To put on an event like this in a venue like this is not easy, and I want to thank the casino for everything they do for us. They have done us proud. In 2013, Prince Albert gave us his blessing and backing to start boxing here, and it was triple G, Gennadiy Golovkin that kickstarted his career here then, came back to fight Martin Murray in a World title fight and then went to America to become a legend and a household name. Gennadiy is in constant contact with me, and his heart is deeply involved in Monaco, he loves the place.
 
“Eddie comes from a family that has been in boxing for many years with his father Barry, and what I like about Matchroom is they have a young team and are the biggest and best promoters in the world. 
 
“Monaco has one thing that it’s really good at and that’s building bridges between other nations and other people. I think that boxing has latched onto that and looking at the bill this weekend, you will see part of that. We’ve come a long way with boxing in Monaco, we’ve had a lot of support from people that have helped us. Eddie, thank you and Frank Smith for all you have done, it’s a privilege to deal with guys and on behalf of Prince Albert, I wish all the boxers the best of luck and to enjoy your time here.”
 
Rudy Tarditi:
 
“It’s very important for us to receive an event like this, for the image of SBM and the casino in the world, so we are very happy to welcome you.”
 
Laurent Puons:
 
“It’s a great pleasure to see Matchroom back in Monaco. On Saturday night you will have the opportunity to attend an amazing boxing event with four title fights, eight high-level and powerful boxers. Believe me on Saturday night, Monaco will be the worldwide capital of boxing – so ‘bonne chance’ to all the boxers, may the best win.”

O’Shaquie Foster is ready to shine as he makes the first defense of his WBC World Super-Featherweight title against Rocky Hernandez on Saturday night in Cancun, Mexico, live worldwide on DAZN – and the champion believes he will display his full arsenal on the night as he sent a chilling KO message to IBF ruler Joe Cordina.
 
Foster (20-2 11 KOs) landed the vacant title by widely outpointing another Mexican, Rey Vargas, in San Antonio in February, and in facing mandatory challenger Hernandez (34-1 31 KOs) on Saturday night, ‘Ice Water’ will fight twice in a calendar year for the first time since 2019.
 
The 30 year old champion respects the task in front of him in the form of travelling to the backyard of the Mexican KO machine, but Foster says that those tasks are the ones that will get the best of him as he plans to breakout in style and move closer to the unification bout he craves with Cordina, who defends his title next weekend in Monaco against Edward Vazquez, live on DAZN. 
 
“The fight excites me because I’m getting back in the ring, I’m finally fighting twice in one year and we’re going to his home patch,” said Foster. “I think people have only seen 50 per cent of me, there’s still a whole other side of my game that they haven’t seen yet, but that’s what I plan on putting out there.
 
“I’m the best in the division. I’m the most versatile because I can give you a boxing lesson, I can walk you down, you have to pay attention to me because I’ll show you. It’s my first title defense, I feel like it’s going to be a fight that I can show a lot of my versatility and my style, I’ve never fought on DAZN too, so I am excited by that.
 
“My mentality separates me from the rest. I can go anywhere to fight, it doesn’t matter. I feel I have been through so much that a fight is nothing, I just have to get in there in shape and everything will work itself out. You can take me out of my own territory, but I still handle my business, so what’s it going to be like when I am comfortable? 
 
“Joe Cordina is the fight I wanted now but I have to take care of the mandatory. I would love that fight in the future, next, but I am not looking past Rocky. I am looking to see Joe though, I know I would dominate him, I’d stop him in the later rounds. 
 
“Winning the title was the biggest moment of my life because of all the ups and downs. Six years ago, I probably wouldn’t have known where I was going. I was 10-2, in and out of jail, stuff like that, so to see the turnaround from that and now be a World champion, it’s amazing to me but it keeps me focused to know what I could go back to if I don’t keep it going.
 
“I know a lot is against me and it’s not going to be easy, but I knew that when I won the title, so I am just ready to prove myself. Rocky is an aggressive fighter; he comes forward and likes to mix it up and use his power. We tried to fight him a couple of years ago, so I am excited as he’s been on our radar and we’ve been paying attention to him, so there’s nothing out of the blue. We’re ready.
 
“You have to go off the opponents Rocky has fought to get the KOs. Like I said, we tried to fight, it could have even happened a couple of months ago. So, I don’t know, they say he’s a KO artist, but they are going to have to show me. I have power too. If you stack up our opponents and the quality, taking nothing away from him because I’m training like hell for him, but I would have washed his opponents in the first round. But I know he’s good, I’ve been training hard for months and I’m just ready for this.
 
“I love the Mexican fans, it’s a real fighting country. I’ve already taken Rey Vargas’ fans so I’m coming for his fans, it’s all love, but they’ll be my fans after I win. We aren’t going home without the belt, we’re coming in strong, smart; ice water, he’s going to shock the world again. It could be a late stoppage or he might get clipped out early if he runs into the wrong thing.”
 
Foster and Hernandez clash on a big night of action in Cancun, as Australian Heavyweight Justis Huni (7-0 4 KOs) fights for the first time under the Matchroom banner against Andrew Tabiti (20-1 16 KOs) for the WBA International title, Super-Featherweight KO machine Eduardo Nunez (24-1 24 KOs) will be looking to continue his 100 per cent KO record against Oscar Escandon (27-6 18 KOs) and the show kicks off with unbeaten Middleweight Javid Beltran (10-0 4 KOs) takes on Jose Rosas Meza (4-2 3 KOs) over eight rounds.

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
MILES GORDAN-DARBY 240.2 lbs v PHIL WILLIAMS 262 lbs
(Kingston, England)                           (Swindon, England)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Light-Heavyweight contest
SAMMY LEE 193 lbsv JURIS ZUNDOVSKIS 179.5 lbs
(Swansea, Wales)         (Liepaja, Latvia)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
NATHAN HOWELLS 132 lbs v JAHFIEUS FAURE 130 lbs
(Newport, Wales)                       (Oldbury, England)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Super-Featherweight
BRANDON SCOTT 129 lbs v REYNALDO CAJINA 133.11 lbs
(Swansea, Wales)                   (Managua, Nicragua)

followed by

8 x 2 mins International Featherweight
SKYE NICOLSON 127.15 lbs v LINDA LAURA LECCA 125.3 lbs
(Queensland, Australia)            (Lima, Peru)

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

followed by

10 x 3 mins IBF European Cruiserweight Title 
JORDAN THOMPSON 199 lbs v LUKE WATKINS 198 lbs
(Manchester, England)                 (Swindon, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title
ZELFA BARRETT 129.1 lbs v JASON SANCHEZ 128.10 lbs
(Manchester, England)            (Albuquerque, USA)  

followed by

12 x 3 mins British Lightweight Title
GAVIN GWYNNE 134.2 lbs v CRAIG WOODRUFF 133.15 lbs
(Treharris, Wales)                   (Newport, Wales)  

followed by

10 x 2 mins vacant WBO Welterweight World Title
SANDY RYAN 146.6 lbs v MARIE PIER HOULE 145.9 lbs
(Derby, England)              (Terrebonne, Canada)

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF Super-Featherweight World Title
SHAVKATZDHON RAKHIMOV 129.7 lbs v JOE CORDINA 129.12 lbs
(Bokhtar, Tajikistan)                                      (Cardiff, Wales)

Joe Cordina re-claimed the IBF Super Featherweight Title with a 12-round split decision over Shavkatzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff, Wales.

In round two, Cordina dropped Rakhimov with a left hook In round six, Rakhimov began to bleed from around his left eye.

Cordina, 129.12 lbs of Cardiff, WAL won by scores of 115-112 and 114-113, while a third card had Rakhimov ahead by a 116-111 tally.

Cordina is 16-0. Rakhimov, 129.7 lbs of Bokhtar, TAJ is 17-1-1.

Sandy Ryan won the vacant WBO Welterweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Marie Pier Houle

Ryan, 146.6 lbs of Darby, ENG won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 6-1. Houle, 145.9 lbs of Terrabonne, CAN is 8-1-1.

Gavin Gwynne stopped Craig Woodruff in round five of their 12-round lightweight bout.

In round, Gwynne landed head and body shots that backed Woodruff on the ropes until the fight was stopped at 2:02.

Gwynne, 134.2 lbs of Treharris, WAL is 16-2-1 with for knockouts. Woodruff, 133.15 lbs of Newport, WAL is 12-7-1.

Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jason Sanchez in a super featherweight bout.

In round five, Barrett landed a hard right that put Sanchez on the canvas.

Barrett, 129.1 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores 119-108, 118-110 and 116-111 and is now 29-2. Sanchez, 128.10 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 16-4.

Jordan Thompson stopped Luke Watkins in round six of their 10-round cruiserweight bout.

Thompson dropped Watkins twice in round six.

Thompson, 199 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 15-0 with 12 knockouts. Watkins, 198 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 16-3,

Sammy Lee stopped Juris Zundovskis after the opening round of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

Lee, 193 lbs of Swansea, WAL is 2-0 with one stoppage. Zundovskis, 179.5 lbs of Latvia is 6-6.

Miles Gordan-Darby won a four-round decision over Phil Williams in a heavyweight fight.

Fordan-Darby, 240.2 lbs of Kingston, ENG won by a 39-37 score and is 4-0.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Well good afternoon everyone, Prynhawn Da from here in Cardiff, a head of a huge World Title doubleheader on Saturday night as we said, rolling into the incredible fight between Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis live and exclusive on DAZN around the world on Saturday night. The continuation of a tremendous schedule of course coming off the Anthony Joshua victory on April 1. Cardiff this Saturday, we go to Guadalajara and another one of Tony Sims in charge, John Ryder fights for the undisputed World Championship against Canelo Alvarez in front of 55,000 in Guadalajara. A couple of weeks later, of course, Katie Taylor returns to Dublin, for the first time against fellow undisputed champion Chantelle Cameron in a tremendous fight and the week after Leigh Wood gets his chance to become World Champion again against Mauricio Lara. Unbelievable schedule coming your way on DAZN and an unbelievable main event for us on Saturday night.”

Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov:

“I’m born ready. I have a very good team with me. I have a great, the best coach in Freddie Roach. We know the key to the victory and we will prove it on Saturday. We will just show it in the ring on Saturday.”

Freddie Roach:

“We’ve had a really good training camp, especially the last couple of months in my gym. And we have a lot of good sparring partners. I have 14 Pro fighters and he has out powered everyone. I mean, he’s in great shape for this fight and he’s ready. We know we’re in a tough fight and it is a great place to have it.

“In some way you know I hear how fast our opponent is and how quick he is and so forth. But when I watched the tapes I’m really not impressed with his speed and I think I have the faster and stronger person and I think that will make the difference in the fight.”

Egis Kilmas:

“Thank you for having us here in Cardiff. I remember, this city brings me very good memories. One of my fighters Sergey Kovalev became a champion 10 years ago, and so we are happy to be back. We know it’s not going to be an easy fight, Cordina is a very good fighter, but Rakhimov is ready to defend his title.”

Joe Cordina:

“Yeah, of course. People ask me, What do you think of him? He’s a World Champion at the end of the day.. He’s tough. He’s strong. He’s fit. But you’ve got to have that little bit more and I just don’t believe he has it to beat me. But we will see on Saturday. I’m grateful that I’ve got the opportunity once again, thanks to you Matchroom and DAZN for giving me this opportunity back in my hometown. But yeah it’s gonna be a tough night.

“The anthems, the performances and all that is amazing, but first and foremost, we have to get that win for me to bring big nights of boxing back to Cardiff again and again and again like Joe Calzaghe did and give other fighters that opportunity to showcase their talent around the world.

“So that was always my plan when I came into pro boxing. So yeah, for me, that’s what I wanted to do. And I believe, after my last win last year in June that was the start. But we’ve had a little bit of a break. So now I get this title back on Saturday. And then that’s the start where all the big nights will be happening once again.

“Like you said, his aggression when he comes forward is fairly strong. And he does look to anger but I will aim put it out early. So, it could end in the distance, but I’ll just go out there to win. And then I push on but yeah, I said the same with Ogawa. I just want to get the win and move on. And  like I said if it goes within the distance, I’m happy because like you say, in boxing you don’t get paid for overtime.I’ve said it over and over again to people asked me how long you’ve been boxing. It’s mad you live away in Essex when you’re in camp. I’ve been doing this for 10-11 years. When I started boxing at 16, two years later, 18, I was on a GB squad and from then I lived in Sheffield for seven and a half years to improve – I just knew for me to keep away from all the distractions I had to move away. And then I was in camp with Tony Sims since I was 18, now I’m 31. I’ve been living away from home sacrificing missing my kids their birthdays, even their first birthday, I nearly missed two of their births. So everything I’m doing now and sacrificing that was for them in the future and he’s standing in a way for me providing for my kids. So yeah, it’s a big night for me on Saturday.”

Tony Sims:

“Yeah, it is. It was like a freak injury. And as you say it was the first round of the spa, the first the first shot he landed and it was just a freak injury, obviously he’s had surgery on it. And you know, in the end it is all good now and he’s got his opportunity to regain the title. And you know it’s going to be a really hard fight. Rakhimov is a really good fighter. He’s tough, so it’s gonna be hard, but Joe’s training diligently for this fight and he’s been down in my gym in Essex since January. And you know, he’s in fantastic condition – mentally and physically, he’s ready to go.

“Freddie, as you say, he is a legend in our sport. You know, he’s had so many world champions you normally wouldn’t be training him if he didn’t think the fighter was good. So, we know we have got a tough job on our hands, but I believe in Joe Cordina, his boxing IQ is second to none. And it’s gonna be a great night, the atmosphere is going to be fantastic in the arena. And we are just looking forward to Saturday night getting in the ring now.”

Charlie Sims:

“Yeah, it was obviously a great moment for the team. Great moment for Joe when he won the World Title. It was just astonishing. Knockout was amazing to see.

“Then the disappointment. We felt it was unfair that obviously he got stripped from being injured but Matchroom, Eddie and Frank made a promise to get the title back, bring it back to Cardiff and give us the opportunity.

“Now it’s up to the team up to Joe Cordina to make the opportunity count to become a two-time World Champion in the city of Cardiff.”

Joe Cordina is promising to take out his frustration on IBF Super-Featherweight World Champion Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov when the rivals collide at the Cardiff International Arena this Saturday April 22, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

The Welshman (15-0, 9 KOs) achieved a life-long dream as he clinched the IBF Super-Featherweight World Title on a memorable evening in his home city of Cardiff last June, flattening Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa with the knockout of his life in the second round. 

“It was a shot that me and Tony worked on for hours and hours in the gym,” recalled Cordina. “It just felt like putting my hand in water, it was that clean. I looked at him and his head had bounced off the canvas, and I just thought, ‘he’s finished’. Going to the corner, I could see him trying to get up and I started to panic a bit – I don’t need to do 12 rounds here! Good night, he was asleep.”

That elation was soon replaced by devastation. Cordina was scheduled to make the first defence of his World Title against Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi last November but suffered a hand injury that required surgery, and he was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF.

“My first week back sparring, I threw my first proper backhand, and I just felt something pop in my hand and I was thinking, ‘oh my god’,” remembered Cordina. “The lady at the X-ray told me it was a clean break. I had the operation. It was after my surgery that I knew I was getting stripped. That wasn’t a nice moment, I’m not going to lie. I was in a bit of a bad place. I didn’t really want to see people, I was stuck in the house for like two weeks. Then I was like, ‘f*** this I need to get out’.

‘The Welsh Wizard’ was ringside at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for Rakhimov’s ninth-round stoppage win over Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett which claimed the Tajikistan fighter the vacant IBF crown. It was a tough watch for Cordina, but the 31-year-old now has the opportunity to put things right and regain the title that he never lost in the ring.

“It was quite frustrating me being there and watching those two (Rakhimov and Barrett) – I’m not going to lie. I looked at him (Rakhimov) and said, ‘I’m going to f*** you up, see that? (clenches right hand) I’m going to land that right on your chin’. I just kept saying, ‘I’m going to f*** you up’ – that’s all I kept saying. In my head that’s my belt, I need to get that back. I never lost my title in the ring, I haven’t had a chance to defend it. I’m going into this fight as a challenger, but in my head I’m a World Champion and I have the confidence of a World Champion.”

Freddie Roach-trained Rakhimov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) looked impressive as he came from behind to wear down and stop Barrett, but former Team GB star Cordina insists that he is prepared for anything this weekend and won’t be denied the chance to create history by becoming a two-time Champion of the World. 

“Shavkat Rakhimov – he’s tough, he’s strong, he’s fit and he can punch hard. I always say, you have to have a little bit more than just that to beat me. I’m a little bit better than him in all the boxes. I believe I’ve got a very good boxing brain. My ring IQ is second to none. My footwork is a different level. I’m good on the inside, I can fight up close. I can fight going backwards. I can pretty much do it all.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not perfect in any way, shape or form and I’m not the finished article, but he has to have a little bit more than just being tough and strong and being able to punch to beat me. He isn’t really brining anything that I’ve never seen before. There’s not a man on the planet that I fear. I’ll find a way to put you on the deck.”

Rakhimov vs. Cordina headlines a huge night of boxing in Cardiff; Welsh rivals Gavin Gwynne (15-2-1, 3 KOs) and Craig Woodruff (12-6-1, 4 KOs) rematch for the British Lightweight Title following their thrilling draw at the Bolton Whites Hotel last September, Manchester Cruiserweight Jordan Thompson (14-0, 11 KOs) puts his IBF European Title on the line against Swindon’s Luke Watkins (16-2, 11 KOs), Derby’s Sandy Ryan (5-1, 2 KOs) clashes with Canada’s Marie Pier Houle (8-0-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBO Welterweight Title, Manchester’s former World Title challenger Zelfa Barrett (28-2, 16 KOs) faces the USA’s Jason Sanchez (16-3, 9 KOs) for the WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title, Australia’s Skye Nicolson (6-0) steps up against Peru’s Linda Laura Lecca (15-6-2, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Featherweight, Swansea Super-Bantamweight Brandon Scott (4-0, 1 KO) takes on Reynaldo Cajina (15-79-5, 11 KOs) over four rounds, Newport Super-Featherweight Nathan Howells (5-0-1) meets Oldbury’s Jahfieus Faure over four rounds, Swansea Light-Heavyweight Sammy Lee (1-0) fights Latvia’s Juris Zundovskis (6-5, 5 KOs) over six rounds and Kingston Heavyweight Miles Gordan-Darby (3-0) takes on Swindon’s Phil Williams (5-41-1, 1 KO) over four rounds. 

Limited remaining tickets can be purchased via Stage Front.

Former two-time unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) fights at The O2 in London for the first time since 2016 as he begins life under the tutelage of new head trainer Derrick James. ‘AJ’ returns to the scene of his first World Title win over Charles Martin to face another American contender in Jermain Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs). Saginaw’s ‘989 Assassin’ pushed Dillian Whyte all the way in a close points loss at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November and is relishing his shot against one of the biggest names in the sport. British megastar Joshua is ready to begin his ascent back to the top of the Heavyweight division after suffering back-to-back losses to pound-for-pound great Oleksandr Usyk in London and Saudi Arabia.

This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide on the digital sports entertainment platform, which is fast becoming the undisputed Global Home of Boxing. Joshua vs. Franklin will be included in the £9.99 per month DAZN saver subscription, making it the first fight in over eight years that fans do not need to pay an additional pay-per-view fee to watch Joshua. Beyond the UK, DAZN is available in over 200 territories. Simple to download as an app on Smart TVs, games consoles, tablets and mobiles, and subscribed to with one-click, being on DAZN will make this the most accessible Joshua fight ever.

“I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and it will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”

“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

Alongside Joshua vs. Franklin, Matchroom and DAZN have announced its largest ever schedule of content for the first half of 2023 that will see even more iconic and emerging boxing talent, including five other premium fights, on its platform alongside an ever-greater roster of other sporting entertainment.

The following shows will be shown live and exclusive on DAZN with further fights and full undercard details to be announced shortly:

Saturday, February 18: Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara
Hometown hero Leigh Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs) as Matchroom’s 2023 schedule in the UK begins with a bang. ‘Leigh-thal’ memorably stopped Michael Conlan in the 12th and final round of his epic first defence of the WBA 126lbs title back in March 2022, knocking the Irishman out of the ring in brutal fashion to end their Fight of the Year stunner. ‘Bronco’ has been waiting patiently for his shot at Wood after their eagerly anticipated September 24 fight was postponed following a torn bicep suffered by Wood in sparring, but the Featherweight KO artist finally gets his dream World Title opportunity this month in what promises to be an epic battle between two knockout artists.

Saturday, March 11: Callum Smith vs. Pawel Stepien
The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight contender Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home to face undefeated Pole Pawel Stepien (18-0-1, 12 KOs) at the M&S Bank Arena as he looks to secure a showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year. A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis last October. One of the hottest prospects in America Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) fights in the UK for the first time as faces another step up against Little Lever’s all-action Super-Middleweight Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs). Full undercard details to follow.

Saturday, March 18: Cyrus Pattinson vs. Chris Jenkins
Matchroom’s first NXTGEN card of the year at the Utilita Arena Newcastle features some of the very best prospects in the North East looking to take the next steps in their promising careers. Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (5-0, 3 KOs) faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins (23-6-3, 8 KOs) while Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist turned Welterweight prospect Pat McCormack (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to wow his home crowd against Italy’s Dario Socci (15-7-2, 6 KOs) in his first scheduled eight-round contest. Also on the card, Birmingham’s Solomon Dacres (5-0, 1 KO) squares off with Newcastle’s Robert Ismay (11-0, 4 KOs) for the English Heavyweight Title.

Saturday, April 8: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez
Boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight ruler when he clashes with Cristian ‘El Chicharito’ Gonzalez (15-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO 112lbs at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio. The 23-year-old sensation from San Antonio, Texas enjoyed a stellar 2022, becoming boxing’s youngest active World Champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC Super-Flyweight strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defence, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds. He was named the Fighter of the Year by ESPN in their midyear awards for 2022 before outpointing Israel Gonzalez on the ‘Canelo’ vs. ‘GGG’ undercard in September.

Saturday, April 22: Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Joe Cordina
Unbeaten Welshman Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) attempts to win his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title back against current belt-holder Shavkatdzhon Rakhmiov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) at the Cardiff International Arena. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the arena last June. Cordina was scheduled to make the first defence of his World Title against Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi last November but suffered a hand injury that required surgery and was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF. Rakhimov won the vacant title by stopping Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett in nine rounds on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez.

Saturday, May 20: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2
Irish legend Katie Taylor (22-0, 6 KOs) fights in Ireland for the first time in her professional career, putting her Undisputed Lightweight World Title on the line once more against Puerto Rican star Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KOs) in an unmissable rematch. Taylor cemented herself as the greatest female fighter on the planet by edging out Serrano in an epic fight for the ages on an iconic night at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York last April. The global superstar retained her belts after a Fight of the Year contender with multi-division World Champion Serrano – the first women’s boxing bout to headline the famous MSG in its 140-year history, attracting an unprecedented audience of 1.5 million tuning in globally on DAZN.

Alongside this jampacked schedule of boxing, in the last 12 months DAZN has added 75 media properties to its UK offering, giving – in particular – combat sports fans access to the widest range of live and on demand content. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) partnered with DAZN to launch PFL Europe, the inaugural event will be held in Newcastle on 25 March and broadcast globally on DAZN.

In the UK DAZN is available as a Monthly Saver (x12) at £9.99, an Annual Super Saver priced at £99.99 and a Flexible Monthly Pass priced at £19.99.

How to watch DAZN

Watching on DAZN is simple and easy.
Go to the app store on your chosen device, search for and download the DAZN app.
Create an account, choose a plan and start watching anywhere – on your phone, tablet, smart TV and gaming consoles.
You can log in to multiple devices and enjoy top sporting content anywhere.
“What an incredible year Matchroom and DAZN have in store for fight fans around the world – and this is just the beginning,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The UK’s biggest boxing star Anthony Joshua returns to our screens on April 1 as he looks to reclaim his spot as the number one Heavyweight on the plant. ‘AJ’ has reset and refocused and he is on a mission to defy his critics as he kicks off his exciting new partnership with DAZN. Modern legends Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano run it back for all of the marbles at Lightweight in what will be one of the most iconic sporting events that Ireland has ever seen on May 20 in Dublin. Their first meeting at MSG last year was one of the very best night’s I’ve experienced in boxing and the rematch promises to be even bigger and better.

“Callum Smith is within touching distance of a shot at unified Light-Heavyweight ruler Artur Beterbiev and can’t avoid any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien on his Liverpool homecoming on March 11 and boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez attempts to create even more history on April 8 when he goes for gold at 112lbs against Cristian Gonzalez. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ Joe Cordina attempts to recapture his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff on April 22 and the young guns are out to impress in our first NXTGEN event of the year in Newcastle on March 18 – not forgetting the small matter of Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara in just under two weeks’ time in Nottingham. It is without a doubt the best schedule in boxing and there’s still so much more to come. Watch it all live on DAZN.”

“This is the most eagerly anticipated fight of Anthony Joshua’s career, and, at DAZN, we are delighted to deliver it to fans in the UK and around the world as part of their monthly subscription, making it the most accessible ‘AJ’ fight in a decade”, DAZN CEO Shay Segev said. “Beyond our unrivalled boxing schedule, we are committed to building our library of sports content the UK. Our tie-up with KSI’s Misfits to create X Series and joint venture with Professional Fighters League to launch PFL Europe are just two examples of what we will do to deliver top sports content to DAZN subscribers.”

“We have worked with Anthony Joshua for five years, and we are incredibly excited to be kicking off our new UK relationship with him on April 1,” said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. “Being ringside for Taylor vs. Serrano at a sold-out MSG was one of the great sporting moments of my life; what an incredible atmosphere and fight. Alongside this blockbuster, the schedule we have curated so far features some of our best talent, Jesse Rodriguez, Callum Smith and Joe Cordina. All live and exclusive on DAZN.”

“This is the start of a hugely important phase for ‘AJ’ and it is exciting to be kicking it off exclusively on DAZN and at The O2 in London, a place he has had many memorable nights,” said 258 Managing Director Freddie Cunningham.

About Matchroom Boxing
Matchroom Boxing is the world’s leading boxing promotional outfit putting on major stadium and arena shows across the globe. Headed up by boxing supremo Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has been among the world leaders in major boxing promotion and production for over a quarter of a century since its launch in 1987. With an unrivalled stable of world-class fighters, Matchroom’s unique expertise in promotion, staging and television productions cements its position as the No.1 promoter in the sport.

About DAZN Group
DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.? Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, JLeague, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.? DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.?DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.??

??DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialise, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.??

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles. ?DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including Playstation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and find the app on their iPhone, iPad, android and mobile.

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.???

Joe Cordina will make the maiden defence of his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Mandatory Challenger ShavkatdzhonRakhimov at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Cordina vs. Rakhimov lands on the undercard of the huge WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title clash between undefeated rivals Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez – Matchroom’s first ever show in the United Arab Emirates.

‘The Welsh Wizard’ (15-0, 9 KOs) captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff earlier this year in June to become the latest Welsh World Champion.

Tajikistan’s Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) challenged for the vacant IBF belt against an overweight Joseph Diaz at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio last year – pushing the American all the way in a majority draw for the title that only he could win. 

‘Shere Khan’ was presented with a second opportunity to fight for the IBF 140lbs World Title against Ogawa – but was forced to withdraw from the scheduled bout due to injury. The 27-year-old is currently the highest ranked contender with the IBF.

“I know it’s going to be a tough fight so I’m going to be prepared for 12 hard rounds,” said Cordina. “I know I’m going to have to bite down on my gumshield and dig my toes in. It’s going to get tough in there but I’m going to be prepared for that.

“Nothing has really changed since I won the World Title back in June. My mentality is still the same, I still want to be the best in the world – I want to win more titles. I’ve reached my goal of becoming World Champion but now I’ve set new goals which include becoming a unified and undisputed World Champion.

“It’s great to be a part of the first show in Abu Dhabi. I’ve been a part of some big nights in boxing – the Joshua vs. Klitschko show in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium, Bramall Lane Stadium with Kell Brook against Errol Spence and two Joshua fights at the Principality Stadium. To be a part of another historic show is unbelievable and another one ticked off my list.”

“We have a huge night of World Championship boxing planned for Abu Dhabi on November 5 and Joe Cordina vs. Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is the first addition to an all-action undercard,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The Welsh Wizard landed the IBF Super-Featherweight World Title with an epic one-punch knockout win in his home city earlier this year but that’s just the start of the journey for Welsh boxing’s latest star. Joe has ambitions of becoming undisputed at 130lbs but first he needs to get past an incredibly tough first defence in the shape of IBF number one Rakhimov who has already challenged for the IBF crown.”

An announcement on tickets will follow in due course. Sign up HERE for Bivol vs. Ramirez bulletins and ticket updates.

Joe Cordina thrilled his hometown fans by violently knocking out Kenichi Ogawa in round two to win the IBF Junior Lightweight title at The Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

In Round two, Cordina landed a perfect right to the jaw that splattered Ogawa on the canvas, and the fight was stopped.

Cordina, 129.6 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is now 15-0 with nine knockouts. Ogawa, 129.4 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is now 26-2-1.

Barrett Decisions Kourbanov

Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Faroukh Kourbanov in a junior lightweight bout.

Barrett Mancherster, ENG is 28-1. Kourbanov of Dison, BEL is 19-4.

Dalton Smith stops Perouene after six

Dalton Smith remained undefeated by stopping Mauro Peroune after round six of their 10-round super lightweight fight.

In round six, Smith dropped Perouene with a right hand. After round six, the fight was stopped.

Smith, 138.5 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Perouene, 139.4 lns of Santa Rosa, ARG is 14-6-1.

Nicolson Decisions Bouvier

Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Gabriela Bouvier in a featherweight fight.

Nicolson, 127.3 lbs of Queensland, Australia won by an 80-72 score is now 4-0. Bouvier, 127.2 lbs of Maldonado, URA is 15-11-1.

Yafai Stops Cairns in 4

Gamal Yafai stopped Sean Cairns in round four of their eight-round super bantamweight fight.

In round four, Yafai dropped Cairns with a hard left hook to the jaw and the bout was stopped at 1:55.

Yafai, 124 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 19-2 with 11 knockouts. Cairns 124.3 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 8-3.

Callum French won an eight-round decision over Gadatamen Taylor in a super lightweight contest.

French, 137.25 lbs of Gateshead, ENG won by a 79-73 score and is now 3-0. Taylor, 137.5 lbs of Palma de Mallorco, SPA is 4-10-1.

Kyran Jones remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Vasif Mamedov in a middleweight fight.

In round two, Jones dropped Mamedov with a straight left.

Jones, 163.5 lbs of Hengoad, WAL won by a 40-35 score and is now 4-0. Mamedov., 164.1 lbs of Perm, RUS is 2-18-3.

Joe Morgan remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Rustem Fatkhullin in a super lightweight bout.

Morgan, 143.4 lbs of Aberdare, WAL won by a 40-35 score and is now 4-0. Fatkhullin, 144.2 lbs of UFA, RUS is 8-33.

Ben Crocker remained undefeated with a dour-round decision over Evgeni Vazem in a welterweight fight.

Cocker, 149.5 lbs of Swansea, WAL won by a 40-36 score and is now 4-0. Vazem, 151.6 lbs of Serov, RUS is 9-30

Ester Konecna spoiled the pro debut of Monique Bux by winning a four-round decision in a super middleweight bout.

Konecna, 160.3 lbs of Ostrava, CZE won by a 39-37 score and is now 2-15-1. Bux, 167.1 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 0-1.

16:45 BST FIRST FIGHT LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL 

4 x 2 mins International Super-Middleweight contest
MONIQUE BUX 167lbs 1oz v ESTER KONECNA 160lbs 6oz
(Cardiff, Wales)                       (Ostrava, Czech Republic)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Welterweight contest
BEN CROCKER 149lbs 8oz v EVGENII VAZEM 151lbs 9oz
(Swansea, Wales)                    (Serov, Russia)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight contest
JOE MORGAN 143lbs 7oz v RUSTEM FATKHULLIN 144lbs 3oz
(Aberdare, Wales)                  (Ufa, Russia)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
KYRAN JONES 163lbs 8oz v VASIF MAMEDOV 164lbs 2oz
(Hengoed, Wales)                    (Perm, Russia)

followed by

8 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight contest
CALUM FRENCH 137lbs 4oz v GADATAMEN TAYLOR 137lbs 8oz
(Gateshead, England)               (Palma de Mallorco, Spain)

followed by

19:00 BST LIVE ON DAZN

8 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
GAMAL YAFAI 124lbs v SEAN CAIRNS 124lbs 5oz
(Birmingham, England)     (Liverpool, England)

followed by

8 x 2 mins International Featherweight contest
SKYE NICOLSON 127lbs 5oz v GABRIELA BOUVIER 127lbs 3oz
(Queensland, Australia)             (Maldonado, Uruguay)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBC International Silver Super-Lightweight Title
DALTON SMITH 139lbs 8oz v MAURO PEROUENE 139lbs 6oz    
(Sheffield, England)                 (Santa Rosa, Argentina)

followed by

12 x 3 mins European Super-Featherweight Title
FAROUKH KOURBANOV 129lbs 1oz v ZELFA BARRETT 129lbs 9oz
(Dison, Belgium)                                     (Manchester, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF Super-Featherweight World Title
KENICHI OGAWA 129lbs 5oz v JOE CORDINA 129lbs 9oz
(Tokyo, Japan)                            (Cardiff, Wales)

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
 
“Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the Cardiff City Hall on Jubilee weekend ahead of a huge night of World Championship boxing at the Cardiff Arena. Joe Cordina in his hometown gets a chance to become the 13^th World Champion from Wales, live on DAZN, against the outstanding World Champion Kenichi Ogawa from Japan. We’ve got European Title action and some of the world’s leading prospects on the card here, local talent as well. There’s so much to discuss with you ahead of a great return to this city. It’s been a while since we’ve been in this room and this great city and I’m excited. It’s been a long time since Cardiff have had the opportunity to see what could be a huge star emerge as Joe Cordina gets his golden opportunity live on DAZN around the world.”
 
Monique Bux:
 
“I’m really excited to be here, massive shout out to Eddie and Matchroom, and obviously Lee Eaton for getting me on the card. It’s in my home city so it’s like a dream debut. I’m happy to be here and obviously I’m getting ready to perform. I’m ready and I can’t wait to put on a show. Shout out to my trainer Tony Borg. It’s been a journey but I’m ready to showcase my skills. Big up Joey as well, he’s going to perform amazingly on Saturday night.”
 
Ben Crocker:
 
“Yeah definitely. Same thing. Big thanks to Eddie and Matchroom for giving me this opportunity. Also big thanks to my coach Gary Lockett for giving me this opportunity. It’s a big show in Cardiff. I’m from Swansea but it’s only down the road. I’m going to bring an army of Swansea fans and I can’t wait for it.
 
Kyran Jones:
 
It’s a massive opportunity for myself in only my fourth professional fight. I’d like to thank yourself, Eddie, and Matchroom Boxing, and my coach Gary Lockett for always pushing for these opportunities. I’d like to thank the main man himself, Joe Cordina, for bringing big time boxing back to Cardiff. I’ve got 200 people coming down from the Valleys on Saturday so it’s going to be loud. Massive thanks to all of them – I’m looking forward to it.”
 
Joe Morgan:
 
“I just want to say a big thank you to you Eddie for getting me this opportunity. It’s nice to get the opportunity to box locally in front of an army of Welsh fans. I’m excited to put on a show in front of everyone coming. I could say the same for all of the other boys. It’s a massive opportunity for all of us.”
 
Calum French:
 
“Thank you Eddie, Matchroom and DAZN for getting me on another terrific card. It’s a step up to 8 rounds. I’m prepared for it. I’m ready. I prepare for every fight like it’s a World Title fight just to make sure that I’m the best Calum French that gets in the ring on the night. I do it to get myself in the right habits and rituals, so when it’s my time to headline a show like Joe is doing, up in my hometown in Newcastle I’m going to be in the right frame of mind for it. I boxed at 135 in the amateurs and then because that weight was taken away out of the Olympic system, I was forced to move up to 140. Coming into the pros we’re going to bring it back down to 135 and campaign there, and shoot for titles later this year and early next year.”
 
Gamal Yafai:
 
“It’s been a while. I’ve been itching to get back in there. I want to get a win and crack on with my career. I’ll get the win on Saturday night and I can move on, get back up to European level and move on from there. You’ve got to win them all no matter who it is. If he’s from Liverpool, Argentina or Mexico, I’ve just got to win. It doesn’t matter if it’s a domestic dust up or if it’s an international fight. You’ve just got to get the W and crack on.”
 
Sean Cairns:
 
“I was ready to box on the 11^th of June anyway, so it was perfect timing really. It’s all fallen into place perfectly. Thanks to Eddie and Matchroom for the opportunity and my coaches who have kept me on my toes all year. I’m going to put on a show on Saturday. I can just go out and do my best and upset the applecart. I’m not here to turn myself over, I’m here to win. We’ll see on Saturday Eddie, thanks for asking me.”
 
Skye Nicolson:
 
“The plan was always to have a really active start and Matchroom has definitely delivered. I’m very grateful for that. I’m excited for the step up. I’m not afraid of a challenge. I hope she brings a challenge for me. I want to have a real fight and I want to be in a real fight. Like I’ve said from the start, I think that’s when you’re going to see the best version of me. I feel like we’re making great improvements every time we fight. Having these back to back fights and having that time with Eddie in the gym has been perfect for me. We’re seeing those improvements and adapting to the pro style. I think we’re going to see the same again in this fight.”
 
Gabriela Bouvier:
 
“Well firstly thank you very much for the invite to be here Eddie. It’s a privilege to be here and I’m very happy to take on Skye in this bout. As you know I’ve had quite a lengthy career, both as an amateur and a pro and I’m hoping that this weekend is going to be an opportunity to show that I’ve got it.”
 
Dalton Smith:
 
“Like you say, we’ve had a three-and-a-half-week camp for this fight but that’s just what happens when you stay in the gym. You live the life and you’re able to get straight back out. That’s what I want. I want to stay active. We were looking towards the British but thank you for the opportunity and for getting me on the card. I’m on the big stage again and it’s another chance to show what Dalton Smith is about. When a fighter is active, that’s when they’re learning and improving. That’s what it’s all about. I’m moving forwards now on the big stage. It’s one thing for me being at a press conference and having Joe Calzaghe here. Growing up with my dad coaching me and seeing what Joe and his dad Enzo achieved in the sport, I feel privileged for him to be at one of my press conferences. I want to grab a picture with him because it’s been 20 years I’ve been waiting for that! I feel privileged to be on the show, supporting Joe as he becomes the next Welsh World Champion. It’s a big opportunity and you’re going to be seeing a lot more from me.”
 
Mauro Perouene: 
 
“Thank you very much for the invitation. I know I’m up against a very formidable opponent, he’s a very tough lad and it’s well known. I’m full of energy myself for this fight and I’ll be putting on a good spectacle for all.”
 
Zelfa Barrett:
 
“I’m out to put on a performance. Respect to Faroukh as the champion. I’ve watched him but I just believe in my abilities and anything he can do I can do better than him. I’ve got more of a purpose on Saturday night. Listen, two men could be in against me on that day, I don’t care who’s in with me – I’m going to put on a performance. Of course I want Joe to win in the main event, for his family, and it’ll work out for a better fight for us. We cans et our families up from there hopefully if he gives me the opportunity. I want him to win but my main focus is Faroukh. Once I’ve got past him I’ll be watching the main event ringside.”
 
Faroukh Kourbanov:
 
“Thank you very much for the invitation. I’m delighted to be here as the defending European Champion and I’m sure when Saturday comes I’ll be able to take that step forward towards the World Title. I’m came out of that fight 2^nd with Joe Cordina two years ago but it gave me a lot of opportunities to improve my game. He’s got a shot at the World Title and all the best to him.”
 
Joe Cordina:
 
“First of all, I want to say thank you to Eddie, Matchroom and DAZN. Also, thanks to Ogawa for accepting this fight and coming to Cardiff. I put pressure on myself, I don’t see it that way, other people might see it that way. I believe in my ability. I know I’m at world level. I’ve said it time and time again; I’m not bothered about any other title in between a World Title. All I want is a World Title. If I lose, which I don’t plan on doing, I’m 30 now and it’s a long way to build back up. For me this is my opportunity and I’m going to grab it with both hands. I can touch it. I’ve just got to grab it off him. This is my time and it’s an opportunity for me to showcase my talent in front of the world and announce myself on the big stage. On paper he’s a level above. When you look at Ogawa’s record, don’t get me wrong he’s had a lot of knockouts, you look at those early fights, I think even leading up to his 18^th fight he was fighting people that I was fighting in my third or fourth fights – similar records. On paper he’s a level above but I’m going to have to step up and show I’m at that world level. I’ve sparred plenty of World Champions and I’ve been in with some tough guys – we’ve got Conor Benn at the back who’s arguably one of the most explosive punchers and fighters on the planet right now. I’ve done numerous rounds with him, and he can tell you I’m technically good and I’m tough. I’ve also got a great boxing brain and that’s one of my strengths. I can think my way around the right and get that win on Saturday night.”
 
Kenichi Ogawa:
 
“First I’d like to thank Matchroom, DAZN and Teiken Promotions, and everyone who made this fight possible. He says he’s going to knock me out in our fight, we will find out on Saturday. It will be interesting to see what happens. I plan to be very aggressive in the ring and have an exciting match but at the end of the day it’s up to Joe and how he wants to come out.”

Joe Cordina will challenge Kenichi Ogawa for the IBF Super-Featherweight World Title at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff on Saturday June 4, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Welshman Cordina (14-0, 8 KOs), a former British and Commonwealth Champion at Lightweight, dropped down in weight to Super-Featherweight after handing his compatriot Gavin Gwynne a first loss at The O2 in London in August 2019. 

‘The Welsh Wizard’ captured the WBA Continental 130lbs Title against Mexico’s Mario Enrique Tinoco at the Casino de Monte-Carlo in November 2019 before suffering a hand injury that kept him out of the ring throughout 2020.

Determined to make up for lost time, the now 30-year-old stacked up three wins in an active 2021 – including a stunning first round knockout victory over Chicago’s Joshua Hernandez at Matchroom Fight Camp in the summer – and now sits at No.3 at Super-Featherweight with the IBF. 

Japan’s Ogawa (26-1-1, 18 KOs) claimed the vacant red and gold 130lbs World Title by overpowering the dangerous Azinga Fuzile in a wide points decision at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York, last November, dropping the South African in rounds five and twelve.  

The 34-year-old from Tokyo is on the hunt for unification fights and represents a sizable step up in class for Rio 2016 Olympian Cordina, having only tasted defeat once in 29 professional bouts – a stoppage loss at the hands of Yuki Miyoshia at Korakuen Hall back in August 2012.

On the undercard, Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett (27-1, 16 KOs), who is ranked at No.2 with the IBF, looks to build on his impressive win over Australia’s Bruno Tarimo on the Parker vs. Chisora 2 undercard when he challenges European Super-Featherweight Champion Faroukh Kourbanov (19-3, 3 KOs) – a former opponent of Cordina. 

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to boxing and to putting myself in this position,” said Cordina. “Now it all comes down to this opportunity, my World Title shot.

“It’s a lifelong dream of mine to become a World Champion and a stepping stone to securing my family’s future and making all of the times missed with them worth it.

“I’ll be taking this opportunity with both hands; I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to win and be crowned the new IBF World Super-Featherweight Champion. Be ready to see the best Joe Cordina come fight night as I put my name at the top of the division.”

“First of all, I want to thank Mr. Eddie Hearn for this opportunity,” said Ogawa. “Hello to Team Cordina. I am disappointed that I could not attend the launch press conference but I’m looking forward to fighting in Cardiff. Let’s be in our best shape for this fight. But I will be the one to win this fight. See you in a month.”

“This is it for Joe Cordina – the opportunity of a lifetime and his moment of truth,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Joe has an opportunity to become World Champion in his home city and put himself up there with the greats. Ogawa is huge step up, big, strong and proven as an elite fighter. Victory for both men sets up huge unification opportunities – we expect an incredible atmosphere in Cardiff and a great show on June 4.”

“What a brilliant fight this will be,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “Joe Cordina has been rightly tipped by many as a future World Champion and this will be his time to prove it against a very game opponent in Kenichi Ogawa. We are set for a classic in front of a raucous crowd, and you can see it live and worldwide on DAZN on June 4.”

Tickets for Ogawa vs. Cordina are priced £40, £60, £120 and £250 (VIP).

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Thursday May 5. Priority ticket info has been emailed directly to eligible members.

General Sale tickets can be purchased via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and via the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) from midday on Friday May 6.

Conor Benn scored an explosive 4th round stoppage over former world champion Chris Algieri in a scheduled 12-round welterweight bout at the Liverpool Arena in Liverpool, England.

In round two, Benn landed a left hook that sent Algieri tumbling into the ropes. In round four, Benn landed a crushing 1-2 with the right hand landing flush on the jaw that saw a motionless Algieri crashing to the canvas, and the fight was immediately called off at 2:58.

Benn, 146.5 lbs of Brentwood, ENG is 20-0 with 13 knockouts. Algieri, 146 lbs of New York is 26-4.

Taylor defends Undisputed Lightweight Title with Decision over Sharipova

Katie Taylor defended the undisputed lightweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Firuz Sharipova.

Taylor, 134.6 lbs of Bray, IRE won by scores of 98-92, 97-92 and 96-93 and is now 20-0.. Sharipova, 143.25 lbs of Taraz, KAZ.

Agyarko Stops Larios in 9

Caoimhin Agyarko stopped Noe Larios jr. in round nine of their scheduled 10-round middleweight bout.

In round nine, Agyarko landed a hard left hook that hurt Larios. Agyarko landed a hard combination on the ropes, and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Agyarko, 159.3 lbs of Belfast, NI is 10-0 woth seven knockouts. Larios, 160 lbs of California 14-1.

In a battle of 13-0 super featherweights, Joe Cordina took a 10-round unanimous decision over Miko Khatchatryan super featherweight bout.

Cordina, 129.9 lbs of Cardiff, WAL won by scores of 100-90 and 98-92 and is now 14-0. Khatchatryan, 129.75 lbs of Liege, BEL is 13-1.

Peter McGrail stopped Engel Gomez at 2:18 in round two of their six-round super bantamweight fight.

McGrail dropped Gomez with a hard 1-2 and the fight was stopped.

McGrail, 123.25 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 2-0 with one knockout.

Paddy Lacey remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Vasif Mamedov on a super welterweight fight.

Lacey, 157.1 lbs of Chester, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 3-0, Mamedov, 160.3 lbs of Perm, RUS is 2-8-2.

Jordan Gill and Alan Isaias Liques Castillo battled to a no-contest after an accidental headbutt caused a bad cut on the forehead of Gill at the end of round three.

Gill, 128.6 lbs of Chatteris, ENG is 26-1-1. Castillo, 127 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is 27-11-1.

Callum French made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision win over Rustem Fatkhullin in a super lightweight contest.

French, 140.4 lbs of Gatheshead, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is 1-0. Fatkhullin, 140.75 lbs of UFA, RUS is 8-17.

Joe McGrail made a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage over Francisco Rodriguez in a super bantamweight clash.

In round two, McGrail dropped Rodriguez with a right hand. The fight was stopped after the 2nd round.

McGrail, 121 1/4 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Rodriguez, 117.7 lbs is 0-4.

Joshua Buatsi stopped Ricards Bolotniks in round 11 of a scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at the Matchroom HQ in Essex, England

In round six, Buatsi dropped Bolotniks with a vicious left hook.

In round eight, Buatsi was deducted a point for a low blow. In round 11, Buatsi landed a booming right that sent Bolotniks to the deck and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Buatsi, 174 3/4 lbs of Croydon, ENG is 15-0 with 13 knockouts. Bolotniks, 174 1/2 lbs of Riga, LAT is 18-6-1.

“Most importantly I have to thank God for the victory, different fighters have different things that work for them, I made it clear to you lot that that’s what works for me,” Buatsi told DAZN. “In my changing room I don’t need to hear anything, don’t tell me what I did in camp, tell me Josh is written in the bible. That’s what gears me up when I walk down there, what’s written in the bible.
 
“I’m grateful man, Bolotniks big credit to him he pushed me. I think he said Josh hasn’t been past seven rounds before so after seven we’ll see. I was there until 11 and landed a good shot. I worked every round, but I want to congratulate him – he’s a good champion.
 
“When I sat down, I said, ‘Buatsi who told you to empty the tank, you’ve got six left?’ but I’ve worked hard. You see in camp the sparring is hard man, big credit to my sparring partners they know who they are. I do a hard six run then a fresh one gets in so into the second half I said I’ve been here: I’ve done it before I’ve been here many times in camp.
 
“I’ve got a great team, I’ve got a promoter that believes in me, he’s been pushing for fights like this because he knows I can do it. Tonight, I went out there and showed people I can do it, we just build from here.
 
“We all make sacrifices, I don’t want to single myself out, everyone sacrifices to be where they want to be in life. For me, yeah, I sacrificed, I’m always away from my family and I truly miss them but most importantly I want to get to the top. I feel like I’m in the right team with the right people, I’ve got a great promoter who gives me the opportunities I need. I’ll keep sacrificing.”

Cordina Destroys Hernandez in 1st

Joe Cordina needed just 53 seconds to dispose of Joshua Hernandez in a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

Cordina landed a blistering 1-2 that sent Hernandez down for the 10-count.

Cordina, 134 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 13-0 with eight knockouts. Hernandez, 132 3/4 lbs of Chicago, IL is 10-4.

“Chris Colbert went eight rounds with Hernandez and what I watched of it, it was quite a tough fight for him,” Cordina told Matchroom. “I watched that fight and a couple others of Hernadez and me and Tony came up with a game plan. We were going through in the changing rooms, and it came off a peach.
 
“I had to prove a point, I said in an interview earlier in the week that I don’t take criticism from people I wouldn’t go to for advice. I don’t really value many people’s opinions so yeah, it’s one of those things, you’re going to get people criticizing and it’s whether you take it onboard or not. A lot of people didn’t take into consideration that I’d been out the ring for 16 months, had an operation of my hand, we proved the point tonight and got him out of there early on.
 
“I always look to just get the win, box, if the knockout is there, I’ll take it. As soon as he threw his first jab, I knew he wasn’t going to catch me with that, my sharpness of feet and head movement would get me out of trouble. I started putting my lead hand downstairs and whipping the right hand over the top and I caught him the first time, I knew he was a little bit wobbly. I didn’t want to rush in and try and get him out of there straight away, I knew if I could catch him twice with it there’s going to be a third time and I did exactly that. We got him out of there in great fashion.
 
“I was watching Fight Camp last year and there was no crowd, but even when there wasn’t a crowd it felt like there was a massive atmosphere. When I saw the first Fight Camp week at home, I thought, ‘oh my god I’m fighting there in two weeks, it’s going to be amazing’. I’m glad that I’m able to tick it of my list now. 
 
“Eddie watched me in York Hall in 2009 and said, ‘you’re going to be a World Champion’. It’s nice to hear that but I’ve got to keep improving, keep pushing on and proving him right. I know I’ve got the ability to be a World Champion very soon, but I’ve just got to keep winning. I’ve got the ability to mix it with any of them, it’s just about taking those steps up the ladder to become a World Champion and that’s what I plan on doing. Maybe have two weeks at home, go back to the gym and see what I want to do with Tony.
 
“I know people say it but if you speak to my S&C coach and Tony this was probably one of the best camps I’ve ever had. That’s with the boxing, plus my S&C, everything just came together. Don’t get me wrong I had to be at home for my new-born son but everything’s coming together now. I’m glad I got the win tonight in great fashion and now it’s time to build on it.” 

World-Rated welterweight Michael McKinson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Przemyslaw Runowki.

McKinson, 146 1/2 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 21-0. Runowski, 146 1/4 lbs of Shupsk, POL is 19-2.

“I’m happy, that was easier than I thought it would be, I didn’t really get out of first gear,” McKinson told Matchroom. “I visibly hurt him a few times, but I boxed to instructions and got the win. To be fair I didn’t think he won a round against me, but he was a tough guy. Him and his team were very confident beforehand, I liked the energy they brought all week, but I just had to show I was a level above, and I was a few levels above – I’m happy.

“They keep giving me harder opposition, they keep telling me it’s a step up and I’m making it look easier and easier. What people forget is I’m learning every day on the job as well; I’m developing and who knows where I can be in a year or twos time. I’m in a position where a lot of boxers dream of being in, all I can do it stay focused, keep learning and keep working my way to the top.

“First time on the A side you know, not many people can say they’ve boxed in Gibraltar and not many people can say they’ve boxed in Eddie’s back garden and done both this year. I can’t moan or complain, I’m really happy and blessed.

“2021 and my career has just started, 21-0 and making it look easy. I really want to keep stepping up, keep challenging myself, keep having more and more tests. I’m still learning but I’m learning quick and finding it easy now. I want opponents that will make me step through the gears, a few times I hurt him there like I can punch, I don’t need to, I boxed to instructions. I didn’t really get out of first gear.

“I believe I’m the best 147 pounder in the country. I like Conor, I get on well with him, but if he can’t get them two guys the Brooks or the Khans, I’m always here. I’ll fight whoever they give me, I’ve never turned down a fight and that’s a fact – I don’t plan on turning down fights. I really do believe in myself, and I believe in my development as well. I’m going to be going to the top I promise you.

“I’m really happy for Liam Taylor because he never really gets a fair ranking and he’s a good fighter so I’m happy he’s got that opportunity. I’m not far behind, I’d like the winner, but I’ll fight whoever makes sense and whoever my management team want to get me next – the answer is always yes. That guy there I just beat took Josh Taylor to points on short notice, he had a full camp against me, his team were so confident talking to me in the hotel.

“Like I said, I make their confidence fade round by round, they don’t call me ‘The Problem’ for no reason. I will carry on being a problem as I step through the levels as the opposition gets better, trust me.

“Josh Kelly has got a lot of ability, he’s a skilful fighter, I like Josh – even after the Avanesyan defeat I still think he’s a top fighter. Florian Marku talks a lot doesn’t he, he didn’t know who I was a few months ago on social media on an interview, he said he didn’t know who I was. At least they’re talking about me now, let him prove himself because I don’t think he’s proved himself at a decent level yet, not saying he’s not a good fighter, but he does need to prove himself as a fighter to be respected. Good luck to all of them, I wish nothing but the best for all my rivals, you know I’m here and I’ll fight anybody.

“Even when we go back to proper arenas and stuff, wait till we get hundreds and hundreds of Portsmouth fans loud and proud. I’ve got great support and it’s always growing; I know there’s a lot of people that didn’t come today but when they’re allowed everyone will see the Portsmouth fans.”

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Hopey Price won a six-round decision over Claudio Grande.

In the closing seconds of the fight, Price dropped Grande with a straight left.

Price, 123 1/4 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 58-55 score and is now 5-0. Grande, 121 1/2 lbs of Massa, ITA is now 5-1.

“It was a good performance, considering I had six months outside the ring, which for a young prospect like me isn’t ideal,” Price told Matchroom. “You can spar as much as you want but it’s not the same feeling as when you’re under the lights. Now looking forward, I’ve got Leeds in three weeks, that’s put me in very good stead – you’ll see the best of me in three weeks’ time.

“I remember Dave [Coldwell] shouting at me finish strong, finish strong, and he was just coming in – what we’ve been working on in the gym – I felt like I was catching him with that shot all fight and he just walked onto it lovely at the end and he was gone.

“I’m not fighting these journeyman and people with losing records, that’s a proper fight, he’s 5-0, three knockouts, I’m sure he wanted to be a star over there in Italy. He was coming to win and was defeated, I put a stop to that and gave him his first loss.

“You began to see it, it’s been coming slowly but surely, now over the next year or so you’ll see the best of me.

“I feel like I’m developing more as a fighter under Dave and more as a man – big thanks to Danny Wilson at Boxing Science, he’s making me a lot stronger, and I think you saw it there in the last ten seconds. I’m not just a young kid that people can walk through.

“I want to go right to the top. I don’t want to be a World Champion; I want to be a pound-for-pound star and Dave’s the man to take me there. I’ll keep listening, learning, developing and I promise you I will get there one day.

“I think fighting in Leeds on September 4 shows the confidence and ability – and the confidence my team has in me – to take a fight like that three weeks before and coming through with flying colours, no injuries. I’m ready to go in my hometown in front of 20,00 fans, I’ll steal the show there 100%.

“I’m ready for Zahid Hussain, 100%, I was ready for it back in September and the magic man didn’t turn up. So, we’ll see this time if he comes and if he does, I promise Hopey Price will come out the victor.

“I said it from my second pro fight, I believe there are levels to boxing and my boxing brain is one of the best in Britain. I believe I’m levels above Zahid Hussain.”

Kash Farooq won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Gerardo Castillo in a bantamweight bout.

In round five, Farooq was cut under his right eye and Castillo had swelling under his right eye from a headbutt.

Farooq, 117 1/2 lbs of Glasgow, SCO won by scores of 100-90 twice and 100-91 and is now 16-1. Castillo, 116 1/4 lbs of Mexico is 28-3.

“I boxed to the game plan, that was it, you want to get in there and always entertain but I followed the game plan that was it,” Farooq told Matchroom. “I listened to my trainer, and he just told me to box, you couldn’t get any footage of him, so I didn’t know what he was about, I adapted on the night and did what I had to do.

“I showed tonight the other side of me that can box as well. He’s not world class but it’s a different side of my boxing that I showed, he was tough and game. We didn’t know what we were up against.

“If you let anybody hit you, they can punch, he had a bit of sting to his punches, but the name of the game is hit and don’t get hit and that’s what I did in this fight.

“He [Gerardo] can’t speak and can’t hear so it’s something different, people were saying he’s come to win, and this was going to change his life, these types of boys want to win but he was up against me so – I wanted to win as much as he did.

“These boys are coming from nothing, some of them grew up in poverty and it’s a different lifestyle in Mexico – they fight for a living to make their lives better. It’s either me or him and it wasn’t going to be me today.

“It was another learning fight for me, and I’ll progress again, it’s something I picked up – for me it’s just about developing and getting better. This is just another clinical performance by me.

“My job is just to fight, and they tell me what route they’re going to go through. If I had a choice I’d fight [McGregor] but it’s down to them and they’ll make the right decision for me.

“He wants to fight just like I do but he’s got managers telling him what the best options are like I do as well. The next few weeks my managers are going to sit down with Eddie and discuss what the best options are and what route to go down – if it’s that one next then I’m more than happy to take it.

“It is a big fight for Scotland, me and Lee can sell out the SSE Hydro, if it’s the right time and it has a good build me, we can do it. It’s just me and him boxing each other.

“For me I’ll take a few days off but it’s back to training. When I’ll really take some time off is when I call it a day and retire. Now I’ve still got levels to progress, go back to the gym and work on things, it’s a lifestyle in boxing and it a short career, you don’t know when retirement is coming. For me I’m going to put everything into boxing for the next few years of my life.”

Raymond Ford remained undefeated as he stopped Reece Bellotti in round three of a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Ford landed a right hook that staggered Bellotti. Ford was all over Bellotti and landed a bout 15 unanswered shots and the fight was stopped at 39 seconds.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden, NJ is 9-0-1 with five knockouts. Bellotti, 125 1/4 lbs of Watford, ENG is 14-5.

“In the third round I was going to start to box and slow it down because I was throwing too many fast, hard shots to hurt him early,” Ford told Matchroom. “My team told me to settle down because we had ten rounds to go and then he came on and ran into the shot. I knew if I didn’t get him out of there when I had him hurt, he was just going to be a tough guy and keep coming forward. When I hit my shot, I had to get him out of there.

“It feels great, one of my dreams that came true, the real dream and goal is to get to these World Championship titles.

“I knew that he [Bellotti] was kind of the bully and everything so I wanted to beat the bully in the fight. I heard a lot about his power, guys saying his power was up there at the top, I just wanted to show I can be a bigger bully and that’s what I did.

“I said yesterday that I was going to handle the pressure. I was just starting to warm up and settle in but the more the fight would have went, the more you would have seen me relaxed and be sharper. I was getting hit by some dumb shots but that was because I was warming up and getting a feel of everything – being back after five months.

“I love it in the UK, all week people have been showing me love so I want to come back and fight here again. I want to be one the greatest to ever do it, not just in my division, I just want to be the best and go down as a legend.

“It’s important to be patient but I feel like I have the skills and I was blessed with the talents I have where I can fight these top guys at a young age. I want to keep stepping up and get these tougher fights.”

Zelfa Barrett stopped Viorel Simion after round five of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Barrett dropped Simion with a body shot. Barrett continued to punish Simion and the fight was stopped after round five.

Barrett, 136 1/4 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 26-1 with 16 knockouts. Simion, 139 3/4 lbs of Romania is 22-7.

Lawrence Okolie scored a 6th round stoppage over former world champion Krzystof Glowacki to win the WBO World Cruiserweight championship at the SSE Arena in London, England.

In round five, Glowacki started to bleed over his right eye. In round six, Okolie landed a stabbing right to the body that sent Glowacki on his back. He got up but the fight was stopped.

Okolie, 199.6 lbs of Hackney, England is now 16-0 with 13 knockouts. Glowacki, 195 lbs of Walcz, POL is 31-3.

“I don’t think it has sunk in yet,” said Okolie. “It’s nice hearing you say it. I’m happy. For me, it’s more of a relief. The potential has been there for over a year. I’m happy to get the victory. Now and forever, I’ll be a World Champion.

“I was just really focused on putting on a good performance. I’m physically very strong and punch hard. I’m very fit, so I can win on just those attributes at a certain level. I really focused on not rushing any shots because he’s very dangerous with counter shots and he’s very heavy-handed. His jabs were very solid, so I had to be very meticulous in keeping the distance. It was a good clean performance.

“All of the British former World Champions wishing me good fortune really touched me – shout out to them. From every run that I ever did, losing all of that weight, deciding to take a risk, having my parents support me financially when I couldn’t afford to get the bus down to the gym for training. To see it all pay off with a World Title is a dream come true – never give up. We can just go on from here. I need to keep pushing myself to prove myself as the best.”

Cordina Decisions Kourbanov

Joe Cordina remained undefeated by winning a 10-round majority decision over Faroukh Kourbanov in a junior lightweight bout.

Cordina, 132,4 lbs of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 98-93, 96-95 and 96-96 and he is now 12-0. Kaourbanov, 130.5 lbs of Liege, BEL is 17-3.

“I didn’t think it was close at all,” said Cordina. “I think he nicked one or two rounds, maybe three. I was comfortable and I didn’t really get out of second gear. I let him work a couple of times throughout the rounds, maybe I shouldn’t have. I got a good valuable ten rounds out of that and it’s something to build on. I’ll put on a better performance in my next fight.

“It wasn’t about just going out there and trying to blow him out of there. We knew he was tough, that’s why we chose him. Both of his losses before me were to European Champions. He’s gone the distance a lot of times, we knew he was durable. We got the rounds under our belt and I felt I hurt him a couple of times. He was cute at times.

“I had 16 months out of the ring. He came to win and that’s what I wanted. The hand felt fine, I let it go a few times. I didn’t want to overdo it. Tony told me to let the shots flow so that’s what I did. I shouldn’t have any problems with my hand now. It’s time to build on that. If I want to be a World Champion, I have to get past people like Kourbanov. I didn’t really get out of second gear.”

Fowler Takes out Fortea in 3

Anthony Fowler stopped Jorge Fortea at in round three of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight fight.

At the end of round three, Fowler landed a booming right hand that sent Fortea to the canvas. With Fortea hurt, Fowler was able to land a hard combination that crashed Fortea down againm and the fight was stopped at 3:08.

Fowler, 153.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 14-1 with 11 knockouts. Fortea, 152.9 lbs of Sueca, SPA is 21-3-1.

“I surprised myself, I’m not going to lie,” said Fowler. “I thought it was going to go to points. I half play myself down. He just went 12 rounds with a Russian 18-0 killer, IBF No.1. I’m boxing at a much lower level. I’m the first one to admit that.

“I get a few trolls sometimes telling me that I’m boxing at English Title level and they’re right, it’s not my fault. I’m asking for these big fights. I haven’t been getting them. I’ve said to Eddie, ‘throw me in mate, let’s see what I’m made of’. Try and get me smashed and let’s see how I get on.

“He went down from a stiff jab which I was surprised about. I heard Shane say, ‘don’t rush it’, but I knew there was ten seconds left so I thought ‘f*ck it’. I had to throw one bomb at least, luckily enough it landed. He was actually better than I thought he was going to be.

“The first round was even and in the second round he caught me with a good shot. The jab was landing but he was quite tricky. I started throwing to his body to slow him down. The finish was nice, it was a nice straight hand. I was glad he stayed down; it could have been a long night that.

“I could have cried in that ring; it means that much to me. My coach genuinely believes in me more than me. I’ve got the power in both hands and I’ve got the ability. Me and Metcalf is an unbelievable fight. I know he wants it; I’ve heard him talking about it. The whole city would be buzzing. Put me in with Garcia and I’ll beat him too.”

Scotney Decisions Gangloff

Ellie Scotney won a six-round unanimous decision Mailys Gangloff in a featherweight bout.

Scotney, 123 lbs of Catford, ENG won by a 59-55 score and is 2-0. Gangloff, 119 lbs of France is now 4-2.

“It was definitely a learning fight for me for sure,” said Scotney. “Normally in your second fight you’re going to box someone that’s not coming to win. She wasn’t an idiot; she’d had five fights. I learnt a lot from that and there’s a lot to build on. I’m thankful for that.

“She was very angry wasn’t she. She’s as tough as they come, and I think I’m going to benefit a lot from it. It’ll give me a kick up the backside. I’ve got a lot more work to put in, which I love doing. I’ve got a long way to go.

“It was my birthday this week, I’ve just turned 23, I want to push on and I know I’ve got it in me. Now it’s time to start delivering. Women’s boxing is going from strength to strength. Hopefully I can get on the undercard of one of the big ones in May.”

Billam-Smith Decisions Ducar

Chris Billam-Smith won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vasil Ducar in a cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Billam-Smith started bleeding from the mouth. In round four, Billam-Smith hurt Ducar with a counter right and then jumped on him with solid punches for a knockdown.

In round six, Billam-Smith dropped Ducar with a body shot.

Billam-Smith, 199 lbs of Bournemouth, ENG won by sores of 99-90 twice and 97-92 and is now 12-1. Ducar, 198.8 lbs of Brno, Czech Republic is 9-4-1.

“I felt comfortable in there at all times, even when he had his little spurts,” said Smith. “It was really good for me. I thought I was going to become the first man to stop him. I had him down a couple of times, but he was a tough tough man. If I was going to rate it out of ten, I’d probably give myself a 6.5 or 7 out of ten.

“I’ve got plenty to work on in the gym and I can improve a lot. The main thing was getting the win. I got that and I’m happy. I hit him with a great body shot, I felt it really sink in, and then I dropped him to the head as well. He was dipping and I was trying to hit him just over the top of his gloves. Those Czechs are tough and all respect to him.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get the stoppage, but the main important thing was the win. I switched off a couple of times during the fight because I felt very comfortable. I let my hands get leaky probably two or three times during the fight and he clipped me, but I wasn’t buzzed or hurt at all. I saw everything coming so you can always take something out of the shots.

“I’ve definitely got improvements to make. That was my 13^th fight and I’m always about improving every day in the ring. I’m very grateful to have such great stablemates and such a great coach. I’d love to get the Tommy McCarthy fight as soon as possible.”

Ali Decisions Connolly

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with a decision over Bec Connolly in a sex-round featherweight bout.

In round five, Ali was cut around her left eye from an elbow.

Ali, 126.6 lbs of Bethenal Green, ENG won by a 60-55 score and is now 2-0. Connolly, 126.5 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 3-9.

“Apart from the shiner on my face I’m very satisfied,” Ali told Matchroom. “Regardless of what the scales said, I gave away about half a stone. I weighed-in in like two pairs of jogging bottoms just so I could match the weight. I felt the weight difference for sure, but I tried to not let her use her weight advantage against me.

“I tried to maintain the centre of the ring as much as possible, which I did. I’m really satisfied with how I performed. She’s tough but I got it done. Jobi always says you can’t beat the feet – and he’s right! I was always moving off from the double jab. We work a lot on footwork, and I feel like I did really well with my footwork.

“She was the one calling me out saying that she wanted to fight me. Don’t then turn around and complain that you’ve had short notice. You’re a professional, if I was calling someone out, I’d be ready any time. She said she had a couple of days’ notice. I don’t know what to say about that really.

“Everyone is nervous before getting in the ring because it means so much to you. You want to prove yourself and you want to show all of your friends and family that are watching at home that you’re worthy of watching. You want to put on a good performance and have a good fight. The moment that bell went all of the nerves went and I was razor focused on getting the job done. The Olympic dream is still alive and I’m still hopeful to go, and hopeful to compete. I’m still hoping to progress in my professional career.”

Joe Cordina is determined to make up for lost time after recovering from a hand injury that has kept him out of the ring since his classy points win over Mario Enrique Tinoco that captured the WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title at the Casino de Monte-Carlo back in November 2019.

The ‘Welsh Wizard’ (11-0, 7 KOs) puts that belt on the line against Belgium-based Kyrgyzstani Faroukh Kourbanov at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday March 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories, and has promised to put the rest of the Super-Featherweight division on notice with a strong performance. 

Cordina, who had successfully defended the British and Commonwealth Lightweight Titles against compatriot Gavin Gwynne before dropping to 130lbs, is looking to raise his level of opponents as he hunts World Title action later this year, and the 29-year-old former Team GB standout believes that Kourbanov will bring the best out of him. 

“When I first injured my hand, I didn’t think it was going to get back to normal,” said Cordina. “But now I’m back training, using it and letting it go. I haven’t had any problems with it at all. It was always at the back of my mind, ‘is it going to be the same as it was before the injury?’. But I’ve come back and I’m just looking to move on and pick up where I left off. I’m looking forward to putting the Super-Featherweight division on notice.

“I’ve watched Kourbanov and he’s a good fighter. He’s only lost to European Champions. My goal is to become a World Champion and I’m not going to stop until I get there. He’s quite a neat boxer. He’s not a big puncher going off his record but that’s not saying he can’t punch. He’s been in with some good opposition and he’s lost to good opposition. 

“He’s from Kyrgyzstan boxing out of Belgium, normally they’re good amateurs. I can’t take his boxing skills for granted and think he’s going to be an easy touch. I’m looking forward to it because I know it’s going to be a tough fight. It’s going to be a fight that gets me back into the swing of things. That’s what I want. I don’t want easy fights. I want to be fighting for a World Title by the end of this year. I need someone like Kourbanov to bring the best out of me.”

Cordina vs. Kourbanov is part of a huge night of action in London, Hackney Cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie (15-0, 12 KOs) attempts to become Britain’s next World Champion in just his sixteenth fight when he clashes with Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO crown, Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (13-1, 10 KOs) returns against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (21-2-1, 7 KOs) with the WBA International Title on the line, Bournemouth Cruiserweight Chris Billam-Smith (11-1, 10 KOs) looks to keep his KO streak going against Vasil Ducar (9-3-1, 8 KOs), Ramla Ali (1-0) has her second professional fight, Catford’s Ellie Scotney (1-0) meets Mailys Gangloff (4-1, 1 KO) and Stretford Middleweight Bradley Rea (9-0, 3 KOs) takes on Bournemouth’s Lee Cutler (7-0, 4 KOs).