Imagine chasing a dream so big it spans two weight classes—that’s exactly what Joe Cordina is doing, and he just took a giant leap closer. In a thrilling showdown against Gabriel Flores Jr., the Welshman secured a unanimous points victory, setting the stage for a potential two-weight world title reign. But here’s where it gets controversial: was Cordina’s dominance as clear-cut as the judges’ scores suggest? Let’s dive in.
Joe Cordina, Wales’ former IBF super-featherweight champion, outboxed his American rival at the Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, California, with judges scoring the bout 117-110, 115-112, and 114-113. This fight wasn’t just another match—it was a final eliminator for the WBO lightweight world title, currently held by Abdullah Mason after his epic November clash with Sam Noakes. And this is the part most people miss: despite a point deduction in the sixth round for a rabbit punch, Cordina’s control was far more commanding than the scorecards reflected.
“I got the win, but it wasn’t exactly the way I wanted to do it,” Cordina admitted. “You can’t just come in and take a fight from me. I kept the pressure on, forced him to the ropes, and he couldn’t match my pace.” Bold words, but do they hold up under scrutiny? After all, Flores Jr. landed a seventh-round uppercut that momentarily shook Cordina, reminding everyone that even the most dominant fighters are human.
This victory marks Cordina’s second win in the lightweight division since his return from a 14-month hiatus. In July, he claimed the vacant WBO global lightweight title with a hard-fought points win over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz. Now, with a professional record of 19 wins (nine KOs) and just one defeat—a May 2024 loss to Anthony Cacace in Riyadh—Cordina is poised to become the WBO’s number one contender and mandatory challenger to Mason.
But let’s not forget Flores Jr. The 25-year-old American saw his six-fight winning streak snapped, dropping to 27-3 (eight KOs), but not before giving Cordina a run for his money. Here’s the burning question: Can Cordina truly dominate at two weight classes, or is this ambition stretching him too thin? And does Flores Jr.’s performance suggest he’s a future title contender in his own right?
As Cordina moves closer to his dream, the boxing world is buzzing with debate. What’s your take? Is Cordina’s two-weight title quest achievable, or is he biting off more than he can chew? Let us know in the comments—this conversation is just getting started.
