**Joe Cordina Eyes Redemption as He Plots Fresh Path in Lightweight Division**
Welsh boxing star Joe Cordina is set for a pivotal return to the ring tonight, determined to reclaim his position among boxing’s elite after a turbulent year that saw titles, opportunities, and certainty all slip through his grasp. The 33-year-old, who hails from Cardiff, will face Mexican contender Jaret Gonzales Quiroz in Manchester’s AO Arena, stepping into the spotlight as part of the undercard to Jack Catterall’s clash with Harlem Eubank. This bout marks a critical crossroads, as Cordina adapts to a new weight division and contemplates unfinished business in the sport.
Cordina’s journey over the past 13 months has been nothing short of challenging. After suffering a stinging defeat to Anthony Cacace in Riyadh last May—which cost him the IBF Super World Featherweight title—a much-anticipated rematch failed to materialise. Instead, Cordina made the strategic decision to move up to lightweight, a division where he previously enjoyed success at British and Commonwealth level. This period has tested his resolve, yet Cordina seems to have found solace and perspective, attributing the twists of his career to forces beyond his control. “My faith is strong,” he said ahead of his return. “It’s God’s plan, not my plan.”
The wounds from losing his belt are still fresh, intensified by the collapse of a high-profile showdown with WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson last October. Cordina has made it clear he believes there may have been motives beyond the official explanation of injury for Stevenson withdrawing. “I think there was more to it,” he explained. “Those are the fights every boxer dreams about. To have that moment taken away really hurt. But I’ve had to make my peace with it.” He remains confident in his ability to pose problems for anyone in the ring, including Stevenson, and is hopeful the pair might yet meet, given they now compete in the same weight class.
Cordina is no stranger to adversity. Shortly after emerging as world super-featherweight champion, he endured the devastating blow of being stripped of his title due to injury—a moment so disheartening he admits he considered leaving the sport entirely. After recovering and reclaiming his belt, he suffered another monumental setback with defeat in Riyadh. Yet, drawing from past experience, Cordina insists there was never any real consideration of retirement this time. Unlike earlier injuries, he says, “I’ve grown more resilient. I know what it takes to come back.”
With this perspective, Cordina has also taken a hands-on approach to his career, choosing to manage his own affairs. He believes that his accumulated experience allows him to spot pitfalls and navigate the often-complex world of boxing promotions. He candidly acknowledges the darker side of the sport, describing it as “one of the most corrupt”, but insists there are good people too. His relationship with promoter Eddie Hearn, after a brief period as a free agent, is now firmly back on track. “I started with Matchroom and that’s how I want to finish,” he shared, admitting the time apart was an eye-opener but ultimately valuable.
As Cordina looks to the future, his ambitions extend beyond securing high-profile venues or homecoming fights—though he still dreams of a Cardiff City Stadium showdown. His chief aim is to conquer the lightweight division and become a two-weight world champion, a distinction that would echo the legacy of the revered Joe Calzaghe. Reaching this height would confirm Cordina’s status as one of Wales’ most decorated fighters.
Looking to tonight’s match, Cordina admits there is scant footage available of opponent Quiroz, who shares an identical 17-1 record but boasts more knockouts. That said, the Welshman is unphased. “I’ve trained hard, I’m ready, and if I want to become a world champion again, I simply have to win and do so convincingly,” he stated.
For boxing enthusiasts, Cordina’s return embodies a classic redemption narrative. He has weathered injury setbacks, abrupt cancellations, and the unpredictable winds of boxing politics, yet emerges more determined and self-assured. If tonight’s fight in Manchester is the start of a new chapter, Cordina will surely write it on his own terms—driven by hard-earned wisdom, self-belief, and the unwavering support of his Welsh faithful.