Eddie Hearn believes that IBF world super-featherweight world champion Joe Cordina (17-0, 9KOs) can now move onto world title unifications or a domestic fight with the in-form Leigh Wood, following the Welshman’s maiden world title defence being a successful one against Edward Vazquez (15-2, 3KOs) in Monaco.
Cordina and Vazquez would put on a toe-to-toe display in the Casino de Monte-Carlo in the principality, with Cordina edging a majority decision points verdict. A score of 114-114 was overruled by two identical scores of 116-112 in favour of Cordina, much to the annoyance of Vazquez.
Vazquez insisted that he won the fight, succumbing to the second loss of his pro career to date.
Hearn, speaking post-fight to broadcaster DAZN, believes the fight was closer than the scores reflected but believes the right man ultimately won.
“I thought 116-112 was too wide. We had three neutral judges here tonight with no British judges. I know Vazquez and his team are disappointed. Listen, it was a very close fight, but I had [Matchroom stable-fighter] Joe Cordina edging the fight.
“I think the [DAZN] commentary had it the same way. I guess when it’s a round, either way, it can go either way, the fight. I don’t agree with 116-112 but had Joe edging a very close, very competitive, very gruelling and a very good fight.
“Listen, Vazquez will very hard done by it. He had a very close fight with Raymond Ford and had a close fight with Joe Cordina. That’s two decisions that possibly could have done his way, but tonight, I felt that Joe edged the fight as the champion defending. I think you will see the best out of him in those big and tougher challenges.
Hearn continued to add that it is now the time for Cordina to progress onto the fights of more considerable magnitude, in either unification bouts or a fight with former two-time WBA featherweight champion Leigh Wood, who has confirmed that he will now be moving up to the same weight class as Cordina and is a prominent feature of the Matchroom stable.
“Now, I think it’s time to test himself at this stage of his career and take those big moments. It was a brilliant fight, and brilliant moment, and a real close one tonight. I believe every champion should try and unify the division, and I think Joe Cordina is no different. I believe he can beat everybody.
“Tonight and the other champions may be watching, fancying their chances, but for me, I love all domestic fights. I think Leigh Wood – Joe Cordina would be a great fight, but I’d like to see Joe Cordina fight the other champions (at super-featherweight). Whether that’s a trip to Las Vegas, New York, or outdoors in Cardiff, it’s time to roll the dice in the big ones.”
