Welsh Warrior Cordina, King of the Super-Featherweights
In the illustrious Monte Carlo setting, Joe Cordina of Wales managed to keep a tight grip on his IBF super-featherweight crown after a grueling bout that culminated in a majority decision win against the spirited Edward Vazquez of the USA.
At 31, Cordina faced the intense challenge of defending his title for the first time.
Underdog Vazquez, hailing from the States, wasn’t going to make it easy, giving Cordina a run for his money and pushing him to his limits in what became one of his career’s most arduous encounters.
After 12 rounds, the judges were split, delivering scores of 114-114, 116-112, and 116-112, ultimately tipping the scales in favor of the Welsh fighter.
Witness Cordina’s Edge-of-Your-Seat Triumph over Vazquez
Vazquez’s camp didn’t take the loss lightly, exchanging heated words with Team Cordina post-match. The Welsh champion conceded that his performance was not up to his usual standard.
“He’s a slick and intelligent opponent, but at the end of the day, he didn’t win,” Cordina stated plainly.
“By the 10th, my team figured it was a close call.
“I may not have brought my A-game, but I felt I did just enough to tip the judges my way.
Relive Cordina’s Tight Victory in Monaco
Ali Triumphs Despite Early Trouble
“We have ringside judges for this very reason. Even on my off night, Vazquez couldn’t clinch a win.
“He’s upset, and now, it seems he needs some time to himself,” Cordina remarked, alluding to Vazquez’s displeasure.
Cordina’s journey through the professional ranks has been slower than anticipated due to injuries, and acclaim has trickled in more slowly than he’d like, especially outside his home turf of Wales.
Having seized the IBF title with a spectacular knockout against Kenichi Ogawa in Cardiff in June 2022, Cordina had to vacate it temporarily to recover from hand surgery. Yet, he reclaimed his title in April after a grueling split decision win over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov.
These memorable Cardiff International Arena fights prompted Eddie Hearn, Cordina’s promoter, to suggest that Cordina had become too big for the 5,000-seat venue following the victory over Rakhimov.
However, the defense of his title was not in a vast stadium but rather the intimate Casino de Monte Carlo, in front of a modest crowd—a stark contrast to the roaring Welsh welcome he received back home.
With only a close circle of 30 friends and family cheering him on, Cordina nevertheless showed comfort in the Monaco ring—a familiar battlefield where he had previously conquered Mario Enrique Tinoco.
The fight saw Cordina dominating early with precise body shots, but Vazquez wasn’t going down without a fight, landing solid punches to Cordina’s head in the following round.
Cordina seemed to rock Vazquez with an uppercut in the fourth round, but the Texan remained undeterred, keeping the fight unexpectedly close.
As the fight marched on, Cordina began to showcase his superior skills, particularly in the seventh round. However, Vazquez turned the heat up in the eighth, keeping the outcome uncertain.
Cordina’s record improved to 17-0
The momentum shifted between the fighters right up to the last round, with both fighters asserting their claim to the title in the end. But, it was Cordina who left with his hand raised, leaving Vazquez openly questioning the result.
“Joe didn’t get to implement his game plan tonight,” Vazquez asserted.
“I secured the fight, I’m certain of it, and I bet Eddie Hearn would agree.”
Now, the door opens for Cordina to some potentially high-profile clashes. A potential unification with champions like Emanuel Navarrete of the WBO, WBC’s O’Shaquie Foster, or perhaps a much-anticipated domestic fight with WBA featherweight champ Leigh Wood of Nottingham could be on the horizon.
“That was a thrilling match, no doubt about it,” Hearn commented.
“I firmly believe that a true champion should seek to unify their division, and I have every confidence Joe Cordina has what it takes to defeat any 130lb titleholder out there, whether it be in the bright lights of Vegas or back home in Cardiff. It’s time for the big gamble.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cordina-Vazquez fight
Who won the IBF super-featherweight title fight in Monte Carlo?
Joe Cordina successfully defended his IBF super-featherweight title against Edward Vazquez with a majority decision victory.
What was the judges’ score in the Cordina vs. Vazquez fight?
The judges scored the fight 114-114, 116-112, 116-112, in favor of Joe Cordina.
How did Cordina capture his IBF title initially?
Joe Cordina captured the IBF title with a stunning knockout victory over Kenichi Ogawa in Cardiff in June 2022.
Did Cordina think he performed at his best against Vazquez?
No, Cordina admitted that he had not boxed his best but felt he did enough to win the decision over Vazquez.
What were Eddie Hearn’s thoughts on Cordina’s future fights?
Eddie Hearn believes Joe Cordina can beat any champion at 130lbs and is excited about the prospect of unifying the division, suggesting big fights might be next, either in Las Vegas or Cardiff.
More about Cordina-Vazquez fight
- Joe Cordina’s Career Highlights
- Edward Vazquez’s Boxing Profile
- Recap of the Cordina vs. Vazquez Fight
- IBF Super-Featherweight Rankings
- Eddie Hearn Discusses Future Fights
- Analysis: Cordina’s Victory in Monte Carlo
- The Controversy of Boxing Scoring
- The Road to Boxing Unification Matches
5 comments
its not always about the knockouts right, Cordina’s technique was on point even if he wasn’t at his best. class act all the way
gotta say Cordina really pulled it off but it was too close for comfort? i thought Vazquez had him on the ropes a couple of times
proud of our boy Cordina defending the title in Monaco thats massive! still, those score cards looked a bit off, did we watch the same fight lol
Can we talk about how Eddie Hearn is always looking for the next big fight, man’s got no chill. Cordina vs Wood would be absolute fire tho
not sure what fight some of these judges were watching but hey, that’s boxing for ya. Vazquez deserved a rematch imo.