Unbeaten Welshman Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) attempts to win his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title back against current belt-holder Shavkatdzhon Rakhmiov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) at the Cardiff International Arena.
Joe Cordina has the opportunity to become a two-time IBF Super-Featherweight World Champion when he faces current belt-holder Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in what promises to be an electric night of boxing at the Cardiff International Arena on Saturday April 22, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).
RAKHIMOV VS. CORDINA START TIME Date:
Saturday April 22
Start time: 7 p.m. BST / 2 p.m. ET
Main event ringwalks (approx): 10 p.m. BST / 5 p.m. ET
The fight will be held at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.
The fight and card can be watched around the world live on DAZN excluding Australia and New Zealand.
The event is set to get underway at 7 p.m. BST / 2 p.m. ET with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 10 p.m. BST / 5 p.m. ET.
‘The Welsh Wizard’ (15-0, 9 KOs) captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the arena last June to become his country’s latest World Champion.
Cordina was scheduled to make the first defence of his World Title against Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi last November but suffered a hand injury that required surgery and was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF.
Tajikistan’s Rakhimov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) won the vacant title by stopping Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett in nine rounds on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez, and the 28-year-old southpaw is relishing the challenge of defending his crown in Cordina’s backyard.
Welsh rivals Gavin Gwynne (15-2-1, 3 KOs) and Craig Woodruff (12-6-1, 4 KOs) will rematch for the British Lightweight Title following their thrilling draw at the Bolton Whites Hotel last September and Manchester Cruiserweight Jordan Thompson (14-0, 11 KOs) puts his IBF European Title on the line against Swindon’s Luke Watkins (16-2, 11 KOs) – with more undercard fights to be announced soon.
“I saw Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi and he’s certainly a good fighter,” said Cordina. “I respect him, he’s strong and tough but you need to have a more than that to beat me. I never lost my belt in the ring, so my mindset is that I’m going to be walking in as the champion and leaving as the champion. Last time out the fans were unreal, and I can’t wait to experience that incredible atmosphere again in Cardiff.”
“I cannot wait for Rakhimov against Cordina at the Cardiff International Arena,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Last time out it was an incredible night as Joe was crowned the new IBF Super-Featherweight World Champion with a sensational one-punch knockout win over Ogawa – this time it’s going to be even bigger and better.
“This is a massive night for Welsh boxing and for Joe Cordina. He has a straight shot to become a two-time World Champion without ever losing his belt in the ring. We saw Rakhimov in an unbelievable fight with Zelfa Barrett in Abu Dhabi and I’m expecting another great fight on April 22.
“Gavin Gwynne puts his British Lightweight Title on the line for the second time against Newport’s Craig Woodruff following their thrilling draw in September and Manchester Cruiserweight contender Jordan Thompson returns as he puts his IBF European Title on the line against Swindon’s Luke Watkins. There’s plenty more to come as we gear up for another electric night in Cardiff!”
RAKHIMOV VS. CORDINA CARD
Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Joe Cordina; For Rakhimov’s IBF junior lightweight title
Gavin Gwynne vs. Craig Woodruff; For Gwynne’s British lightweight title
Zelfa Barrett vs. Jason Sanchez; Junior lightweight
Sandy Ryan vs. Marie-Pier Houle; For the vacant WBO women’s welterweight title
Jordan Thompson vs. Luke Watkins; Cruiserweight
Skye Nicholson vs. Linda Laura Lecca; Featherweight
Brandon Scott vs. Karan Gill; Junior featherweight
Sammy Lee vs. Juris Zundovskis; Light heavyweight
Miles Gordon-Darby vs. Phil Williams; Heavyweight
Nathan Howells vs. Jahfieus Faur; Junior lightweight
