Former world titleholder Joe Cordina made his return to the ring after a break since May 2024, going the full 10 rounds against the resilient Mexican fighter Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz. Cordina secured a clear unanimous decision win with scorecards reading 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92.
Quiroz came into the fight with a record suggesting power, though his knockouts had occurred at a different tier of competition. His single defeat from 18 previous bouts hinted at his true level. The fighter from Monterrey also appeared physically smaller and didn`t seem poised to deliver the type of surprise victory often seen from Mexican boxers fighting in the UK.
Cordina took control of the fight whenever he utilized his effective jab. Quiroz`s activity in the initial rounds presented some challenges. However, as Quiroz began to fade and Cordina found his rhythm, the difference in their skill levels became apparent.
In the fifth round, Cordina became a bit too open and was tagged by a sharp left hook that momentarily troubled the Welsh fighter. Quiroz attempted to capitalize but returned to his corner clutching his ribs, possibly due to body blows from Cordina or sheer exhaustion.
Quiroz`s quick hands landed another effective combination in round seven. The former Olympian, Cordina, clearly possessed the skill to safely box and neutralize his opponent`s attacks but sometimes chose to engage, creating openings for Quiroz`s left hook.
By the end of the seventh round, Quiroz was retreating and appeared fatigued, saved by the bell. For the remainder of the fight, Cordina relied on his boxing intelligence and technical ability, landing precise punches throughout the later rounds to ensure the win.
Claiming the vacant WBO Global lightweight belt, Joe Cordina`s record improves to 18-1 with 9 knockouts, while Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz`s record now stands at 17-2 with 13 knockouts. The bout, refereed by Marcus McDonnell, was competitive and spirited but remained clean.
“I enjoyed it; I needed a fight like that, going the full 10 rounds,” commented Cordina, who is now competing in the lightweight division.
“Because of his knockout percentage, I couldn`t afford to underestimate him,” Cordina added, acknowledging, “My timing was quite off.”
His new trainer, Gary Lockett, stated, “I`d consider him one of the most skilled fighters in Britain.”
Lockett continued, “It was beneficial to get the full 10 rounds. I`d rather see him go the distance than secure a knockout in the early rounds like two or three.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed a desire for Cordina to position himself to challenge the winner of the upcoming bout between Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes, aiming for Cordina to become a two-weight world champion. However, Cordina is first expected to take on another significant fight later this year.
