WILL CORDINA DETHRONE STEVENSON AT 135?
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that early discussions are underway for a potential fight between WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and former IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina. While the talks are still in the preliminary stages, the idea of Cordina moving up to 135 pounds to challenge Stevenson is being explored.
Shakur Stevenson has been actively seeking his next opponent, initially targeting WBC #1 William Zepeda. However, with Zepeda and his promoter Oscar De La Hoya aiming to push the fight to February, Stevenson is reluctant to wait that long. This delay has opened the door for other potential matchups, including one with Cordina.
Cordina, who recently suffered an eighth-round knockout loss to Anthony Cacace, is ranked #13 by the WBC. At 32 years old, Cordina is eager to take on big challenges, and moving up in weight to face Stevenson would certainly be one of them. "I've spoken to Joe about fighting Shakur Stevenson. Joe is up for it, but he also understands the challenge," said Hearn. He added, "Ideally, moving up a weight division, you'd probably want an easier fight than Shakur Stevenson, but Joe is at the age where he wants to be involved in the biggest fights in the sport."
For Cordina, this could be a career-defining opportunity. Despite being the underdog, the prospect of fighting for a world title against a high-profile opponent like Stevenson is too significant to pass up. Hearn acknowledged that the discussions are still in the early stages, but he remains optimistic about the possibility.
Stevenson's defensive skills and tactical approach have not always resonated with U.S. audiences, but a fight against Cordina could help him gain popularity in the UK. If Cordina's power translates to the lightweight division, it could pose a serious challenge for Stevenson, who might have to rely on his mobility and ring IQ to avoid getting clipped.
While nothing has been finalized, the prospect of Stevenson vs. Cordina is intriguing. It would offer Cordina a shot at redemption and provide Stevenson with a new challenge as he continues to establish himself as one of the top talents in the lightweight division.
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