Cardiff’s Joe Cordina (18-1, 9 KOs) kickstarted his new chapter with a well-earned decision victory over Mexico’s Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz (17-2, 13 KOs).

It was the 33-year-old’s first outing since an eighth-round loss to Anthony Cacace in Saudi Arabia in March 2024. Dethroned of the IBF super-featherweight title, Cordina has moved up to lightweight and set his sights on becoming a two-weight world champion.

Cordina, appearing on the undercard of Jack Catterall vs. Harlem Eubank at the AO Arena in Manchester, was keen to remind onlookers of his quality. The judges recognised it, with 100–90, 99–91, and 98–92 scorecards confirming a unanimous decision.

“Fourteen months out of the ring, I thought it was a good performance, considering,” he said to the DAZN broadcast in a post-fight interview. “I enjoyed it. I needed something like that, 10 rounds. It was tricky. There was nothing to watch of him, so I was going off purely his record on BoxRec and looking at his knockouts. I needed someone like that to be switched on.

“They go on about Mexicans coming over and shocking everyone. They’re tough, they’re this, they’re that. I’m Welsh and I’m Maltese. That’s a dangerous mix. Bring on any Mexican, I don’t care who it is. Bring them over, and I’ll stop them in their tracks,” he added with a smile.

Gary Lockett, who challenged for the WBC middleweight title in 2008, has been tasked with helping Cordina return to his best. Now an established coach, Lockett’s influence was visible. He has shared a long-standing friendship with Cordina and wanted the boxer to do what he does best use his sharp skillset and lightning-quick speed to stay a step ahead. Tougher tasks await the new duo, but their first foray was a success.

Cordina was straight down to business. He landed a trademark overhand right in the opening round and Gonzalez, to his credit, wore it well. The distance shortened, and Cordina’s quick reactions allowed him to score punches before Gonzalez’s unpredictable attacks.

The most exciting exchange came in the fifth round. Closed down in a neutral corner, the game Gonzalez landed a flush left hook, and Cordina returned it with interest. The instant response put the brave visitor in his place, especially when it was followed by a steady stream of straight arrows.

Matchroom Boxing unveiled their new look this week. Much was made of the updated brand, intended to signal their innovative approach to bringing boxing to the next era. For Cordina, an established face in British boxing, it was more about returning to his previous form before he was hamstrung by the struggle to balance the scales.

Those old skills came in handy for Cordina the longer the action went on. He was frequently first to land with more quality shots and grew wise to Gonzalez’s dangerous hooks. Hurt by body shots in the seventh round, Gonzalez recovered well, but he could never track down Cordina well enough to make a significant impact.

Gonzalez came with a low profile, but unknown Mexicans have a habit of upsetting UK boxers in recent times. The 24-year-old possessed a 76% knockout ratio, and there was no footage of his previous fights for Cordina to study. Ultimately, Gonzalez was untested, and Cordina’s greater experience proved a major factor in the fight.

Cordina’s triumph saw him collect the WBO Global title, which should grant him a top-15 ranking with the sanctioning body. Their main world title is currently vacant and is set to be contested by Kent’s Sam Noakes (17-0, 15 KOs) and Ohio’s Abdullah Mason (19-0, 17 KOs). Both contenders boast impressive unbeaten records and are set to face off as part of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season in November. Cordina will be interested in facing the winner, though he could stay active with another fight in the meantime.

The world-level scene at lightweight feels like it’s in a state of transition. WBC champion Shakur Stevenson faces William Zepeda next week, while WBA champion Gervonta Davis is expected to rematch Lamont Roach after their controversial draw. Cordina could be coming along at the right time to stake his own claim at 135 lbs, a weight category that appears to be lacking a definitive leader despite its depth of talent.

The influence of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing will be key in securing high-profile opportunities for Cordina going forward. The Welshman was out of contract following the loss to Cacace, and relations appeared frosty to outsiders. Finally patched up with a two-fight deal, they’re working together again and have plans to reach the top once more.

Cordina has been promoted by Hearn since he turned professional following the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil. They have shared many memorable nights, including Cordina’s stunning Knockout of the Year against Kenichi Ogawa to become IBF world champion in 2022 and a Fight of the Year contender to reclaim that belt after injury against Shavkat Rakhimov in 2023. Both of those historic occasions took place in Cardiff, but there is a sense future dates will take place further afield.

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