Joe Cordina lands world title shot as he faces Kenichi Ogawa in Cardiff next month

Joe Cordina will challenge Kenichi Ogawa for the IBF super-featherweight world title at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff on Saturday June 4, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand). 

Welshman Cordina, a former British and Commonwealth champion at lightweight, dropped down in weight to 130lbs after handing his compatriot Gavin Gwynne a first loss at The O2 in London in August 2019.  

‘The Welsh Wizard’ captured the WBA Continental title against Mexico’s Mario Enrique Tinoco at the Casino de Monte-Carlo in November 2019 before suffering a hand injury that kept him out of the ring throughout 2020. 

Determined to make up for lost time, the now 30-year-old stacked up three wins in an active 2021 – including a stunning first round knockout victory over Chicago’s Joshua Hernandez at Matchroom Fight Camp in the summer, and now sits at No.3 at super-featherweight with the IBF.  

Japan’s Ogawa became world champion by overpowering the dangerous Azinga Fuzile in a wide points decision at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York, last November, dropping the South African twice.  

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to boxing and to putting myself in this position,” said Cordina.

“Now it all comes down to this opportunity, my world title shot. It’s a lifelong dream of mine to become a world champion and a stepping stone to securing my family’s future and making all of the times missed with them worth it.”  

Ogawa added, "First of all, I want to thank Mr. Eddie Hearn for this opportunity. “Hello to Team Cordina. I am disappointed that I could not attend the launch press conference but I'm looking forward to fighting in Cardiff. Let's be in our best shape for this fight. But I will be the one to win this fight. See you in a month.” 

“This is it for Joe Cordina - the opportunity of a lifetime and his moment of truth,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Joe has an opportunity to become world champion in his home city and put himself up there with the greats. Ogawa is huge step up, big, strong, and proven as an elite fighter. Victory for both men sets up huge unification opportunities – we expect an incredible atmosphere in Cardiff and a great show on June 4.”