Joe Cordina eyes fight in Cardiff stadium ahead of return

Joe Cordina, a two-time super featherweight champion who held the IBF title from 2022 to 2024, will move back up to the lightweight division and face Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz this Saturday, July 5 at the Manchester Arena, live on DAZN.

Cordina famously knocked out Kenichi Ogawa in the 2nd round at Cardiff International Arena a few years ago to capture the IBF strap, but the former Olympian wants to fight in a stadium as part of his quest to become a two-weight world champion.

Cordina makes his return on Saturday, July 5 in Manchester against the Mexican Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz. (Image: Matchroom) He said: “I’ve had loads of conversations with Eddie [Hearn] about coming back to Cardiff and fighting at Cardiff Castle, Cardiff City Stadium or Arms Park. 

“But it’s got to make sense financially for everyone and it’s got to happen at a certain time of the year because those stadiums are all outdoors.

“There’s loads of things in the pipeline. But first and foremost I need to get past this week, because if I don’t, my chances of winning another world title are gone.”

If Cordina was to capture a world title at lightweight, he would join Joe Calzaghe as the only other Welshman to become a two-weight world champion.

Cordina continued: “It would mean everything to me to be there alongside Joe. Joe is a pal of mine. When I’m around him and we're talking, sometimes I think, is this even real?

“He is a legend. He doesn’t get the recognition that he should get. Let’s get it right, he’s Britain’s best ever champion and best ever fighter. 

“Take his boxing ability away and look at his credentials. He retired undefeated. He beat the big names. He’s done it all. But yeah, to be alongside him in the history books would be amazing.”

Cordina could face the winner of Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes for the WBO Lightweight world title. (Image: Matchroom) There is speculation that Cordina could face the winner of Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes for the WBO Lightweight world title, yet the Cardiff-born boxer has motivations beyond accolades in the squared circle.

“I’m in this game to win world titles and make money. People have asked me if I would fight Sam Noakes. Yeah, I would fight him, especially if it's for a world title. But at the time they were asking me to fight him, it just didn’t make sense to me.

“But the winner of Sam Noakes vs Abdullah Mason, one hundred percent I would take that.

“I’ve also got three kids I need to provide for and I need to make them proud. At this moment in my life that’s my top motivation.”

However, Cordina must prove he is still a formidable fighter after he was stopped in the eighth round and suffered his first professional loss to Anthony Cacace in May 2024.

“I knew they won the lottery that night and that’s the reason why my name is never ever mentioned again for a fight with them. But it is what it is. I’ve gone up in weight. If they come up, then I’ll be chasing that fight and I’ll be putting that wrong right.

“Cacace is a good fighter. I’m not going to say he ain’t. I just believe I’m a little better in most aspects. But he got the job done on the night and unfortunately for me it was two shots on the break and incompetence from the referee.”