Joe Cordina vs. Andy Townend (Joshua-Parker undercard) - 31 March 2018

[Ruthless-RKO]

Joe Cordina will face Andy Townend for the WBA International Lightweight title at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Cordina fights for his first title in his second fight at the national stadium in his hometown having boxed over four rounds there in October on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s World title clash with Carlos Takam.

‘The Welsh Wizard’ now gets his first title shot in his seventh outing in the paid ranks since turning pro in April and the Team GB Rio Olympian faces a tough task to get his hands on the strap against the ‘KO Kid’ from Barnsley, the former English Super-Featherweight champion who has won three of his four fights inside the distance.
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“This is the perfect fight for me to start 2018,” said Cordina. “It’s a big step up for me. Andy is a proven fighter, just look at his record – there’s a lot of knockouts against some decent names.

“There’s no doubting he’s dangerous so I’ll have to bring my A-game. I think I’m more than capable of beating him to win my first title but I’m sure he thinks similar, it’s a good fight for the fans.

“I’ve only been a professional for a year, so it’s only since then I’ve really started scouting the domestic division. Before that, I wasn’t too interested as my focus was on the amateur game.

“Andy also fought on the Bramall Lane show last year and put on a display so he’s got the experience of fighting on these big shows.

“I’m more than comfortable going the Championship distance. I live and train with three weight World champion Ricky Burns who is such an inspiration. Whatever he does, I do. You ask anyone how hard he trains and I’m holding my own fitness wise.

“It’ll be great to fight at the Principality Stadium again. I didn’t really have time to soak it all in last time but I’m grateful looking back I fought in front of so many people. I can look back with a smile and say I’ve boxed in front of 70,000 plus. To fight there twice is a massive and proud experience.

“I don’t want to be chucked into any old fights, they have got to be the right fights at the right time and this is certainly one of those. When Tony Sims says it’s time to come off the leash and push on, we’ll do so.”

[East End]

Another good example of how a smarter and more fan-friendly approach to matchmaking is replacing the ultra-cautious, particularly when it comes to those who enjoyed standout amateur careers.
Townend should give Cordina some valuable rounds but the defeats that Andy has suffered in elevated company - Rendall Munroe, Dai Davies and particularly the stoppage loss to Martin J Ward - suggest to me that he is tailor-made for Joe. Cordina's first ten-rounder but he has already made short work of a couple of decent domestic opponents in Jamie Speight and Lee Connelly and my pick is for him to get the stoppage again in this one. sometime between 6 and 8.

[PredatorHayds]

Great matchmaking. I think Cordina will stop him mid-late, but Townend will give it a go and bring ambition.

[Stuarty]

Cordina stoppage in 4.

[Oiky]

Cordina by stoppage

[jamamb]

he lives with ricky burns?

[Boxerbeetle]

The Cordina fight was a shambles on the last Joshua card, hopefully it’s better organised this time.