Joe Cordina To Consider Move To Lightweight After Shock World Title Defeat in Saudi Arabia

By Gareth James

Joe Cordina will consider moving up to lightweight after the shock loss of his world super-featherweight title in Saudi Arabia.

The Welsh fighter lost his belt – and his previously unbeaten professional record to Belfast boxer Anthony Cacace, who delivered the performance of his career to win the IBF crown.

Cordina was stopped in the eighth round of a fight that appeared to slip away from him from the early stages.

The 32-year-old from Cardiff had hoped to showcase his talent to a global audience on the undercard of the Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk undisputed heavyweight shown in Riyadh.

Instead, he looked strangely subdued and under-powered from the opening bell and his plan to move up a category to lightweight now appears a necessity if he is to reclaim world champion status.

Joe Cordina in MASSIVE TROUBLE in the 3rd Round… #CordinaCacace #FuryUsyk pic.twitter.com/FUcINyJfCF

— FanScorecard (@fanscorecard) May 18, 2024

Cordina had previously indicated he felt there were now better fight options at the higher weight.

Cacace, 35, was a big underdog heading into the contest but handed Cordina his first defeat in his 18th pro bout.

Cacace unleashed a flurry of head shots in the eighth round with the referee stepping in to stop the contest with Cordina not offering any resistance.

The Northern Irishman’s power was evident throughout the fight as he was able to pen his vaunted opponent back with a series of power punches.

Cacace, a former British super featherweight champion, moved to 22-1 as a result.

Welshman Joe Cordina suffered a shock defeat to Ireland’s Anthony Cacace in their IBF super-featherweight title fight in Saudi Arabia last night. pic.twitter.com/nwNQxmNp4c

— LBC News Wales (@LBCNewsWales) May 19, 2024

A devastated Cordina left the ring without giving a post-fight interview.

“I am in shock, no-one gave me a chance to do this,” said an emotional Cacace.

“Joe is a hell of a competitor, an Olympian and a two-time world champion. I have nothing but respect for him and I want to run it back.”