Joe Cordina attempts to regain something he never lost in the ring this Saturday evening at the Cardiff International Arena, as he challenges for his old IBF super featherweight title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov.
Matchroom promote Cordina vs Rakhimov and DAZN televise the card live.
Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) was coming off a career-best performance in June last year, when he ruthlessly knocked out Kenichi Ogawa in two rounds to win the IBF world title, and the future looked bright for the Welshman.
However, as the IBF required Cordina to defend the title within a timeframe against their mandatory challenger Rakhimov, this proved impossible as the 31-year-old suffered a hand injury in the build-up to the contest, and had to withdraw, leaving the governing body to strip the Cardiff native as their champion.
Rakhimov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) is a real danger man, and he claimed the vacant title regardless, coming off the canvas in round three before stopping Zelfa Barrett in nine in Abu Dubai.
The 28-year-old’s only blemish is a twelve round majority draw for the same IBF belt in February 2021 against Jo Jo Diaz.
Prediction: This is a really close to call match, with both possessing fight stopping power. I think if Cordina can weather an early onslaught from the unbeaten southpaw, I think he can take a points win.
Ryan challenges for world title
A second world title fight takes place on the undercard, with the vacant WBO welterweight title on the line. Derby’s Sandy Ryan takes on Canada’s Marie Pier Houle.
Ryan (5-1, 2 KOs) was touted for big things after turning professional following a successful amateur career, but was upset by Erica Anabella Farias in March last year, dropping a split decision.
To her credit, the 29-year-old won an immediate rematch, and was last out in November 2022, clearly outscoring Anahi Ester Sanchez.
Houle (8-0-1, 2 KOs) has never fought outside of Canada, or been past eight rounds.
The winner is in line for a crack at unified world champion, Jessica McCaskill, according to Eddie Hearn.
Prediction: Ryan should become the new champion with a wide points win.
Gwynne-Woodruff meet in rematch
Gavin Gwynne defends his British lightweight title for a second time, and he should get the better of Craig Woodruff (12-6-1, 4 KOs) this time, after the two Welshmen drew last September.
Prediction: Gwynne (15-2-1, 3 KOs) on points is the pick.
Barrett battles Sanchez
Zelfa Barrett is back in action after defeat to Rakhimov, and he was due to face Alex Dilmaghani, who had to withdraw due to injury.
Instead, he meets former world title challenger, Jason Sanchez over twelve at super featherweight.
Prediction: Sanchez (16-3, 9 KOs) has never been stopped, so Barrett (28-2, 16 KOs) will likely need the scorecards to claim victory.
Remaining Undercard
An intriguing clash at cruiserweight should see Jordan Thompson (14-0, 11 KOs) defend his IBF European cruiserweight title with a stoppage win against Luke Watkins (16-2, 11 KOs).
At featherweight, Skye Nicolson (6-0) should outscore former world champion, Linda Laura Lecca (15-6-2, 3 KOs) over eight, and in the sole six rounder, Sammy Lee (1-0) can do the same at light heavyweight against Juris Zundovskis (6-5, 5 KOs).
7-0 🔜 @skyebnic #NicolsonLecca #RakhimovCordina pic.twitter.com/XoF24chNov
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 17, 2023
In four rounders, Brandon Scott (4-0, 1 KO) can halt Karan Gill (3-0, 1 KO) at super bantamweight, while at heavyweight, Miles Gordon-Darby (3-0) can halt Phil Williams (6-41-1, 1 KO) inside schedule.
Nathan Howells (5-0-1) should take a points win over Jahfieus Faure (1-12-1) at super featherweight.
