Joe Cordina has taken a significant step towards realizing his dream of becoming a two-weight world champion, following a resounding victory over Gabriel Flores Jr in California. The Welsh boxer, who previously held the IBF super-featherweight title, dominated his American opponent to secure a unanimous victory on points, with judges scoring the contest 117-110, 115-112, and 114-113.
The highly anticipated fight, which took place at the Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, was billed as a final eliminator for the WBO lightweight world title, currently held by Abdullah Mason. Cordina's impressive performance has positioned him as a strong contender for the title, and he is now poised to become the mandatory challenger to Mason. The 34-year-old boxer's victory in Flores Jr's backyard is a testament to his skill and determination, and he has undoubtedly strengthened his claim to a shot at the lightweight title.
Cordina's dominance in the ring was evident throughout the fight, as he outboxed his opponent with ease. Despite being docked a point in the sixth round for rabbit punching, Cordina remained in control, forcing Flores Jr to the ropes and dictating the pace of the fight. In a post-fight interview, Cordina reflected on his performance, stating, "I got the win, but it wasn't exactly the way I wanted to do it." He added, "You can't come in and nick a fight off me. I kept applying pressure and forced him to the ropes, and he couldn't keep up with the pace."
Cordina's victory is a significant milestone in his career, and it marks a major step towards achieving his goal of becoming a two-weight world champion. His performance has sent a strong message to the boxing world, and he is now a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.
The fight was not without its challenges, however, as Flores Jr gave Cordina a scare in round seven with a powerful uppercut that buckled his knees. Nevertheless, Cordina's resilience and determination enabled him to overcome the setback and secure the win. The American's six-fight winning streak was ended, and he slipped to 27-3 (eight KOs), while Cordina improved his professional record to 19 wins and one defeat (with nine KOs).
Cordina's victory has significant implications for the lightweight division, and it is likely to lead to a title shot against Mason in the near future. The Welsh boxer's performance has earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent, and he is now poised to become the number one contender for the WBO lightweight title. As Cordina looks to the future, he will be focused on preparing for his upcoming title shot, and he will be determined to make the most of the opportunity to realize his dream of becoming a two-weight world champion.
In conclusion, Joe Cordina's victory over Gabriel Flores Jr has brought him one step closer to realizing his dream of becoming a two-weight world champion. His dominant performance has positioned him as a strong contender for the WBO lightweight title, and he is now poised to become the mandatory challenger to Mason. As the boxing world looks to the future, Cordina's name will be on everyone's lips, and he will be a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
