Former super featherweight world champion Joe Cordina gears up for the chance to become a two-time world champion this Saturday in Cardiff when he faces Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov for the very same title he won last year.
Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) dazzled the crowd with a spectacular 2nd round knockout victory over Kenichi Ogawa 11 months ago. What was meant to be the Welshman’s crowning moment soon turned sour. The IBF stripped Cordina due to inactivity form a hand injury, the vacant title was then won by Rakhimov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) when stopping Zelfa Barrett at the end of last year.
Cordina spoke exclusively to ProBox TV News to give his rundown on the trials and tribulations since winning his first world title last year.
Cordina goes straight back for the red and gold belt he won last year. He could have been forgiven for picking another route towards glory.
“It doesn’t matter what world title it is. I just need a world title.” Stated Cordina. “It just happens I’m fighting for the IBF title again, this time against Rakhimov. I certainly won’t have to go looking for him in this fight. He’s going to be coming to fight, so I welcome him with open arms.”
The Welsh capital is all talking about Joe Cordina this weekend, one of their very own bringing big time boxing back to their city.
“I don’t really see myself like that.” Answered Cordina on the hero style status that continues to grow in his hometown. “I have a very big family, so a lot of my fans come from people knowing my family and it branches off from there. A lot of people just know me from being from the area. Obviously winning boxing matches helps build your profile, so it’s really nice that people from the other side of the city know who you are.”
