Joe Cordina Immediately Calls For Unification After Securing IBF Belt
In a high-level competitive battle for the IBF junior lightweight title, Joe “The Wizard” Cordina (16-0, 9KO) regained the title after scoring a narrow split decision victory over Shavkat Rakhimov (17-1-1, 14KO). The two-time champion wasted no time in calling for a unification against any champion in the division.
Cordina was determined to regain the title he never lost in the ring. After being stripped by IBF due to a hand injury, he had to sit on the sideline and watch Rakhimov defeat Zelfa Barrett for the vacant title in November 2022.
RELATED: Cordina Vows To Beat Rakhimov: “Two-Time Champion Of The World”
On April 22, both men went to war in a classic back-and-forth contest that had the crowd on their feet. In the end, Cordina’s hand was raised, and he became a two-time champion in front of the hometown fans.
BRING ON THE UNIFICATION
In a division that is open for the taking, Cordina called out any champion for unification when asked who he wants to face next, in the post-fight interview.
“Any single one of them. Anyone who’s got a belt, I’m happy to share the ring with them. I want all the belts. Obviously they want all the belts. Let’s do it.”
When looking at the division, there are some good unification options for Cordina. WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete would create fireworks as the hard-punching Mexican champion is relentless. However, he may be heading into a fight with two-divisional champion Oscar Valdez.
WBA champion Hector Luis Garcia’s stock dropped after quitting in the corner in a fight against Gervonta Davis on January 7. Then there is WBC champion O’Shaquie Foster who shocked the boxing world with a victory over two-division champion Rey Vargas. Foster’s footwork, hand speed, and ability to provide angles while fighting in the pocket could cause problems for Cordina.
The next couple of months are going to be interesting, as things could be heating up in the division.
