Joe Cordina Targets Emanuel Navarrete for 2024 Unification Bout
IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina (16-0, 9 KOs) is a fighter with a burning desire to face and beat the elite at 130. The 31-year-old from Cardiff, Wales craves a unification battle with an eye on an eventual fight with WBO 130-pound champion Emanuel Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs).
READY TO FULFILL HIS GOALS
Cordina is currently deep in preparation for a*title defense against Edward Vazquez on November 4. But during an interview with the British media outlet Boxing Social, the IBF champion explained why Navarrete tops his hitlist.
“The biggest draw out of all of them is Navarrete, as he just beat Oscar Valdez, who is probably the biggest name in the division, apart from myself.”
“I think the following he’s got, being Mexican, that’s a fight we could do in Las Vegas . . . That’s what I want after this fight.”
SETTLING THEIR DIFFERENCES
Ultimately, the question is if Cordina can secure that kind of matchup. He previously expressed frustration with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, over his inability to land a high-profile fight. The fighter and promoter recently had a meeting to hash out their issues. Cordina said the discussions were positive and believes they are now on one accord.
Despite the ambition, the Welshman understands that a fight with Navarrete or any other world junior lightweight champion means nothing if he can’t get past his upcoming match with Vazquez. Should Cordina take care of business on November 4, he believes 2024 will be a huge year, which could include an eventual fight with Navarrete.
