By Charles Brun: Fresh off his highly controversial 12 round split decision win over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov last April, IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina (16-0, 9 KOs) will face 126-lb contender Edwin Vazquez (15-1, 3 KOs) in a 12 round bout on November 4th at the Casino de Monte Carlo. The event will be shown live on DAZN
It’s unknown why Matchroom Boxing has selected the 27-year-old Vazquez from the featherweight division for Cordina to defend against rather than picking a contender from the 130-lb division, as the American isn’t ranked in the top 15 in that weight class.
Vazquez, with his 20% KO rate, isn’t a big enough puncher for him to be campaigning in the super featherweight division, and he’d be much better off fighting at 126, where his lack of power won’t handicap him as much.
Cordina didn’t look good against Rakhimov in Cardiff, Wales, five months ago. Charles Brun had the visiting fighter Rakhimov winning eight rounds to four.
However, two of the judges who worked the fight gave it to the hometown fighter Cordina by the scores 114-113 (Phil Edwards) and 115-112 (Pawel Kardyni), while the third had it for Rakhimov by a 116-111 (Alex Levin) margin.
That judge appeared to get it right, but I don’t know what happened with the other two had it upside down, giving it to Cordina, who was getting royally hammered all night by Rakhimov.
What’s really interesting about Matchroom using the Fort Worth, Texas native Edward Vazquez as Cordina’s opponent is that he receiving end up a controversial 10 round split decision loss to Raymond Ford last year in February.
This writer had Vazquez beating the A-side fighter Ford 8-2, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Ideally, there should have been a rematch between Ford and Vazquez to clear up the controversy. It never happened.
Vazquez has looked like pure 24K gold ever since, winning his last four fights in one-sided fights showing that his loss to Ford hasn’t caused him to lose confidence.
Many of the boxing fans who saw that fight had Vazquez winning comfortably, and they felt it was a robbery. Matchroom promotes Raymond Ford, and Eddie Hearn is high on him, feeling that he’s got the talent to scoop up the WBA featherweight title once Leigh Wood retires after his Josh Warrington on October 7th in Sheffield.
November 4th undercard fights:
- Sivenathi Nontshinga vs. Adrian Curiel Dominguez
- Souleymane Cissokho vs. Isaias Lucero
- Julissa Alejandra Guzman vs. Ramla Ali
Female super bantamweight Ramla Ali is coming off an eighth round knockout win over Julissa Alejandra Guzman last June. This is a risky move on the 33-year-old Ramla’s part to be getting back in there with Guzman in a rematch because she was getting worked over the entire fight, not just the eighth round.
Guzman had too much power for Rama, and that will not change in the rematch unless she undergoes a sudden transformation overnight as we saw with Conor Benn going from a non-puncher to a knockout artist.
Ramla isn’t young, so it’s unlikely that she’ll be able to improve her power enough to avoid a second defeat against Guzman.
Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport:
“It’s a pleasure to return to Monaco, alongside our partners at SBM and Casino de Monte Carlo, as we present a grand evening of World championship boxing. Expect an exhilarating double-header of title fights broadcast globally on DAZN.
“Four years have passed since our last event at this distinguished venue, a truly unique setting for the sport.
“Headlining the event is the fight featuring Joe Cordina, whom I regard as the premier boxer in the 130-pound division, as he defends his IBF title against Edward Vazquez. It’s a significant fight for Joe, who has his sights set on unifying the division in 2024. Additionally, Sivenathi Nontshinga will defend his IBF title against Adrian Curiel Dominguez. Nontshinga has established himself as one of boxing’s most exciting contenders, with remarkable fights in South Africa and Mexico.
“We are also convinced that Souleymane Cissokho is on the path to becoming France’s next world champion, and he faces Isaias Lucero in what promises to be an engaging fight. Not to be overlooked, Ramla Ali is looking to rebound from her defeat to Julissa Guzman, in what is expected to be an exciting female fight on our lineup.”
Joe Cordina:
“Returning to this venue after four years, it holds a special significance for me.
“I respect my opponent; he is skilled, and I assure you, I take this fight extremely seriously. Some believe I’m underestimating him, but I assure you, I am fully committed. This fight is not just another bout; it’s a gateway to securing a prosperous future for my children. With each challenge, my family is my driving force. Victory is essential; without it, the significant fights that lie ahead will remain out of reach.
“He’s certainly coming to prove himself, given the magnitude of this opportunity. He’s proven his skill in his fight against Ford, which many felt he won. I expect he’ll bring his best, but I am equally prepared to rise to the occasion.
“Some have doubted my power, yet I’ve silenced those doubts with my performance against Ogawa. Others question my grit, yet I’ve demonstrated my resilience in the fight against Rakhimov. My daily training and sparring sessions echo my dedication. My success isn’t coincidental; it’s the result of consistent hard work and belief in my skill, reflected in my professional and extensive amateur record.
“I’m hoping to secure more tickets for my fans who’ve shown their unwavering support. They’re eagerly awaiting the fight, and while my focus is on winning Saturday, I know they’re cheering me on from near and far.”
Edward Vazquez:
“I’m grateful to Matchroom and Lou DiBella for this opportunity. It feels like it’s my time to shine. My career has been characterized by overcoming the odds, and despite one setback in a split decision, I’ve always emerged victorious.
“I’d be pleased if he’s underestimating me. Regardless of his perspective, I hope he comes at his best, with no room for excuses. Often, when the favored fall, they attribute their loss to external factors. I expect none of that; I am fully prepared. After ample preparation, Saturday will reveal who stands superior.
“My focus is to stick to the strategy devised by my coach and my team. Cordina possesses impressive qualities, but he hasn’t faced an opponent like me yet, and he’s about to experience that firsthand.”