Joe Cordina says becoming a two-weight world champion would be “unbelievable” as he heads into a crucial WBO lightweight final eliminator against Gabriel Flores Jr. on December 13 in Stockton, California. The Welshman returned from a 14-month layoff in July, outpointing Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz to claim the vacant WBO Global lightweight title and re-establish himself at 135lbs where he previously lifted British and Commonwealth belts.
Cordina expects fireworks rather than a long night in his U.S. debut, though he acknowledges boxing’s unpredictability. “I don’t think it will go 12 rounds but I’ve been wrong before,” he admitted, recalling the night he stunned Kenichi Ogawa in two rounds after expecting a tough, drawn-out fight. Still, he insists his focus remains solely on Flores, not the world title opportunity waiting for the winner. “The man in front of me is the problem on the night… I’m looking to do a job.”
With an 18-1 record - his only loss coming to Anthony Cacace - Cordina is motivated by both his goals and his surroundings. Training back home in south Wales under Gary Lockett, he works daily on the same canvas where he delivered the 2022 knockout that won him his first world title. Sharing the gym with contenders like Liam Williams and Rhys Edwards adds fuel to his drive. “Seeing this canvas and the boys around me… it’s a lift to know they’re training alongside a world champion,” he said.
Cordina’s long-term aspiration draws inspiration from former stablemate and housemate Ricky Burns, who won world titles in three divisions. Admiring Burns’ discipline and intensity, Cordina hopes to emulate his success by conquering multiple weight classes. “To be a two-weight, three-time world champion… it would be massive for me,” he said. For now, however, only Gabriel Flores Jr. stands between him and another step toward that ambition.
Learn more about the event here.
Image Credit: Getty Images