Welsh boxer Joe Cordina is setting his sights on a highly anticipated showdown with American champion Shakur Stevenson, while also expressing confidence in Stevenson's upcoming bout against William Zepeda. Cordina, recently victorious in his return to the ring, is driven by a desire to unify titles within the competitive lightweight division. His aspirations extend beyond a specific opponent, aiming for any world champion to solidify his position at the pinnacle of the sport. This narrative unfolds against a backdrop of past encounters, lingering rivalries, and the inherent respect that exists between elite athletes.
The rivalry between Joe Cordina and Shakur Stevenson is well-documented, marked by previous attempts to arrange a fight that were derailed by injuries and unforeseen circumstances. Both fighters have navigated similar paths, even competing in the junior lightweight category before moving up. Despite the competitive friction, Cordina openly acknowledges Stevenson's exceptional boxing prowess. He describes Stevenson as a fighter with unparalleled distance control and timing, possessing a unique ability to dictate the pace of a match. However, Cordina also notes what he perceives as a challenging temperament from Stevenson outside the ring, which he believes casts a shadow over his achievements.
Stevenson's upcoming fight against William Zepeda for the WBC lightweight title is scheduled to take place at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queen's, New York. Cordina anticipates Stevenson's victory, albeit with a cautious outlook on the fight's potential entertainment value. He predicts that Zepeda's relentless, aggressive style could either overwhelm Stevenson or be exploited by the American's tactical brilliance. Cordina draws parallels between Zepeda's approach and his past encounter with Tevin Farmer, where Farmer managed to land significant shots and arguably deserved a more favorable decision, suggesting a potential vulnerability for Stevenson against a persistent aggressor.
Cordina's recent comeback victory over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz, under the guidance of his new trainer Gary Lockett, has reignited his pursuit of a world title shot. He is particularly keen on facing Stevenson, not just because of the historical call-outs, but primarily because Stevenson holds a world championship. Cordina's determination underscores his ambition to challenge any reigning champion in the lightweight division, demonstrating his commitment to testing himself against the best in the sport. Both Cordina and Stevenson being promoted by Matchroom further suggests that a future clash between them is a strong possibility, adding another layer of intrigue to the lightweight landscape.
Ultimately, Cordina's perspective offers a nuanced view of Stevenson: a formidable boxer whose skill is undeniable, yet whose personality traits might detract from his professional image. Cordina emphasizes that facing a fighter like Stevenson requires immense patience and a willingness to engage in a potentially methodical, less explosive contest. He believes that by adhering to a disciplined strategy, any challenger could find a pathway to victory against Stevenson. While Cordina foresees Stevenson triumphing over Zepeda, he doesn't anticipate a knockout, suggesting a hard-fought decision that will likely reinforce Stevenson's tactical approach.