Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs Joe Cordina – Results & Post-Fight Report

Joe Cordina became a two-time IBF super featherweight world champion, as he took a split decision win against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in a thrilling fight at the Cardiff International Arena.

Cordina (16-0, 9 KOs) had won the IBF belt in 2022 with a stunning knockout of Kenichi Ogawa, but was stripped when he was injured in training ahead of his scheduled defence against Rakhimov (17-1-1, 14 KOs) last November. The 28-year-old was left to contest the vacant title, and stopped Zelfa Barrett in nine in Dubai.

Some superb boxing won the home favourite the opening round, and the Welshman was happy to trade with the champion, and a short, sharp left hand to the chin dropped Rakhimov in the second.

The two went toe-to-toe on the resumption after the visitor beat the count, and it was absorbing stuff, with both taking turns to dish out punishment in close quarters.

Cordina was hurt from a Rakhimov right hand in round five, but he quickly rallied to return the favour towards the end of the frame.The champion had a cut on his eye that was worsening quickly, and he poured on the pressure in the sixth, only for Cordina to repeatedly find spiteful counter punches.

The ‘Welsh Wizard’ sensed the end was close, and he teed off on the Tajik in the seventh, but Rakhimov remained dangerous, and held his own, despite being under accurate fire from the 31-year-old.

A lovely straight right from Cordina was the highlight of the ninth, but Rakhimov kept a high and constant work rate, giving as good as he was getting. The crowd were on their feet in the championship rounds, and the two left it all on the line as the contest went to the scorecards.

A tally of 116-111 for Rakhimov was overruled by verdicts of 115-112 and 114-113 to crown Cordina the new champion.

Ryan crowned world champion

Sandy Ryan (6-1, 2 KOs) took the vacant WBO welterweight title in the chief support, as she controlled the action in the main in a points win against Marie Pier Houle (8-1-1, 2 KOs).

Scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 in the Derby native’s favour secured her the belt, and a likely undisputed title match against Jessica McCaskill down the line.

Barrett back to winning ways

Zelfa Barrett returned to winning ways after losing to Rakhimov last time out, and he claimed the WBA Continental super featherweight title with a points win against Jason Sanchez.

A hard right hand dropped Sanchez (16-4, 9 KOs) in the fifth, and he did well to beat the count, but Manchester’s Barrett (29-2, 16 KOs)  settled for the distance, taking victory by scores of 119-108, 118-110 and 116-111.

Gwynne stops Woodruff in rematch

Gavin Gwynne retained his British lightweight title, stopping Craig Woodruff in the fifth round of their rematch.

The pair were held to a draw in their first meeting, but Gwynne (16-2-1, 4 KOs) made no mistake this time, trapping Woodruff (12-7-1, 4 KOs) in the corner before unloading and forcing the referee’s intervention.

Thompson takes out Watkins

Jordan Thompson (15-0, 12 KOs) made a successful first defence of his IBF European cruiserweight title, but had to work hard before eventually stopping Luke Watkins in six rounds.

Body shots had Watkins (16-3, 11 KOs) rocking in the sixth, and a hard right hand dropped him, with the referee immediately waving the contest off.

Remaining Undercard

Featherweight prospect, Skye Nicholson (7-0) remained undefeated, taking a shutout eight round decision against Linda Laura Lecca (15-7-2, 3 KOs).

Light heavyweight prospect, Sammy Lee (2-0, 1 KO) enjoyed an early night, forcing Juris Zundovskis (6-6, 5 KOs) to retire after a round of their scheduled six, and Nathan Howells (6-0-1) took all four rounds at super featherweight against Jahfieus Faure (1-13-1).

Also at super featherweight, Brandon Scott (5-0, 1 KO) won all four sessions against Reynaldo Cajina (15-80-5, 11 KOs).

Miles Gordon-Darby (4-0) banked four more rounds, opening the show with a 39-37 points win over four at heavyweight against Phil Williams (6-42-1, 1 KO).