Stockton native Gabriel Flores Jr returns to his hometown roots for a high-stakes lightweight showdown against former IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina, serving as co-main event to Diego Pacheco’s super middleweight clash with Kevin Lele Sadjo. This 12-round bout for the vacant WBO International lightweight title pits Flores’ relentless volume punching and home-crowd fire against Cordina’s slick technical boxing and championship pedigree. At 25, Flores seeks a statement win to propel him toward world title contention after rebuilding from early-career setbacks; the 34-year-old Cordina, dropping to 135 pounds for the second time, eyes a two-division strap in what could be the final chapter of his decorated career. Expect a tactical chess match early, with Flores pressing forward and Cordina countering—third-round adjustments and stamina in the championship rounds likely deciding a fight heavy on decisions (Flores 6 straight UD/MD wins; Cordina 3 of last 4 to points).Fight Information
Time: Ring walks approx. 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT (main card starts 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT)
Venue:
Adventist Health Arena, Stockton, California (capacity: 11,200; home to local boxing events, electric atmosphere for Flores’ return)
Broadcast: DAZN (global streaming); prelims on YouTube
Bout Context: 12 rounds at lightweight (135 lbs) for the vacant WBO International title; co-main to Pacheco-Sadjo (super middleweight, 12 rounds). Promoted by G-Squad Entertainment and Matchroom Boxing (Eddie Hearn).
Injury Report
Both fighters enter healthy, with no reported setbacks in the lead-up to weigh-ins (Flores 134.8 lbs, Cordina 135 lbs). Cordina’s history includes a fractured hand in 2022 that cost him his first IBF title reign without a defense, but he’s been cleared since his July 2025 lightweight debut.
Flores has avoided major injuries during his six-fight win streak, though he absorbed punishment in prior losses to Giovanni Cabrera (UD 10, 2022) and Luis Alberto Lopez (UD 10, 2021). Pre-fight medicals confirm both are 100%, with Cordina emphasizing recovery from his May 2024 TKO loss to Anthony Cacace as a non-issue.
| Fighter | Key Notes | Status |
| Gabriel Flores Jr | No current injuries; full camp in Stockton. Past: Minor cuts in 2022 loss to Cabrera. | Cleared |
| Joe Cordina | Hand fully healed from 2022; no issues post-July 2025 win. Past: TKO loss to Cacace (May 2024) due to cuts, not structural damage. | Cleared |
Key Fighter Matchups
This orthodox-on-orthodox clash features similar frames (both 5’9″, Flores 69.5″ reach vs. Cordina 69″), but divergent styles: Flores’ high-volume aggression (avg. 65 punches/round) vs. Cordina’s precise counters (58% accuracy). Projected pace: Flores advances early, Cordina boxes off the back foot mid-fight.
Flores’ Volume vs. Cordina’s Timing: Flores (27-2, 30% KO) thrives on pressure, landing 42% of power shots in recent decisions; his 2025 UD win over Jose Arellano (98-92 x3) showcased relentless body work. Cordina (18-1, 50% KO), a former Olympian, excels at range with jabs (lands 45%), as in his SD title win over Shavkat Rakhimov (115-113, 114-114, 116-112). Edge: Cordina’s footwork frustrates early rushes, but Flores’ Stockton support could force errors. Tale of the Tape favors Cordina in experience (former world champ) and defense (absorbs 32% landed on); Flores leads in youth and output.
Power vs. Durability: Cordina’s 9 KOs include a 2nd-round stoppage of Kenichi Ogawa (2022 IBF title); he targets body-head combos. Flores’ 8 KOs are early (avg. Rd 3), but his chin held vs. Cabrera’s power. Edge: Even—Cordina’s 1 KO loss (to Cacace) was cuts; Flores undefeated inside distance since 2019.
Stamina & Late Rounds: Both go the distance often (Flores 6/6 recent; Cordina 3/4). Cordina faded in Rd 8 vs. Cacace; Flores strong in trenches (won Rds 9-10 vs. Arellano). Edge: Flores’ conditioning from 185 pro rounds.
Fighter Records and Standings
Gabriel Flores Jr: 27-2-0 (8 KOs), ranked #4 WBO lightweight, #10 WBC. Pro since 2017; 29 fights, 185 rounds. Strengths: Volume (65+ punches/round), home advantage. Weaknesses: Vulnerable to counters (2 UD losses in 2021-22).
Joe Cordina: 18-1-0 (9 KOs), ranked #6 WBO lightweight (former #1 IBF super feather). Pro since 2017; 19 fights, 123 rounds. Strengths: Technical precision (58% accuracy), championship IQ. Weaknesses: Age (34), recent KO loss exposes cut risk.
Flores’ experience edge (10 more fights) meets Cordina’s elite resume (2x world title challenger).
Recent Form
Flores enters on a six-fight win streak since 2022 setbacks, all decisions showcasing maturity. Cordina’s lone loss snapped a 17-fight unbeaten run; his July 2025 lightweight debut was a gritty UD tune-up.
| Last 5 Fights | Flores Jr Result | Key Stat | Cordina Result | Key Stat |
| Jun 25, 2025 vs. Christian Villalba Arriola | W UD 10 | 98-92 x3; 220/450 punches landed (49%) | Jul 5, 2025 vs. Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz | W UD 10 |
| Feb 19, 2025 vs. Jose Arellano | W UD 10 | 98-92 x3; outlanded foe 210-180 | May 18, 2024 vs. Anthony Cacace | L TKO 8 (12) |
| Oct 12, 2024 vs. Dennis Contreras | W UD 8 | 79-73 x3; defensive masterclass (absorbed 28%) | Nov 4, 2023 vs. Edward Vazquez | W MD 12 |
| Mar 16, 2024 vs. Julian Rodarte | W SD 10 | 96-94 x2, 95-95; comeback from Rd 3 KD | Apr 22, 2023 vs. Shavkat Rakhimov | W SD 12 |
| May 13, 2023 vs. Derrick Murray | W KO 1 | 1:45 finish; early power surge | Jun 4, 2022 vs. Kenichi Ogawa | W KO 2 |
Flores: 5-0 (1 KO) in last 5; avg. 3.2 rounds to decision. Cordina: 3-1 (1 KO); 2 title fights.
Fight History
First professional meeting—no amateur overlap or prior sparring reported. Their paths crossed indirectly: Both faced Lopez (Flores L UD 2021; Cordina no matchup). Cordina’s elite wins (Rakhimov, Ogawa) outshine Flores’ regional triumphs, but Flores’ volume could mirror Cacace’s pressure that broke Cordina. All-time lightweight H2H N/A; expect a 60% decision probability based on styles.
Betting Trends
Home underdog value draws sharp interest (line held despite Stockton buzz). Total leans over 9.5 rounds (55% bets), reflecting decision trends. Cordina 7-1 SU as fave since 2022; Flores 4-1 ATS as home dog.
FIGHT ODDS
Gabriel Flores Jr + 260
Joe Cordina – 300
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 12, 2025
