BOXING NEWS 24

Joe Cordina Plans to Ruin Abdullah Mason’s Homecoming Fight

By Robert Segal - 05/05/2026 - Comments

The July 4 card in Cleveland will be headlined by Mason defending his title against Cordina. The event airs on TNT Sports and DAZN

This card serves as the inaugural event for “The Fight,” a new monthly series co-broadcast by TNT Sports and DAZN. This represents a rare peace treaty between Top Rank (Mason) and Matchroom (Cordina).

For Mason, this is his debut as a marquee headliner on linear television. For Cordina, it’s a shortcut back to relevance at 135 lbs after losing his 130-pound strap to Anthony Cacace in 2024.

Why Cordina is a “Messy” Matchup

On paper, Mason (20-0, 17 KOs) is the younger, fresher power hitter. However, Cordina (19-1, 9 KOs) operates with a technical discipline that Mason has yet to face.

Cordina doesn’t give away rounds. He fights behind a high guard and focuses on “punching with” his opponents. Since moving up to lightweight, Cordina has notched wins over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz and Gabriel Flores Jr. He looks physically more durable at 135.

“This is a massive test for me, but this it’s one that I’m more than capable of coming through with flying colors,” said Cordina. “I’m going to mess up the homecoming. I’m looking to come over, rip the title away from him, and take it back to the U.K.

“It’s a massive fight for boxing, and I’m looking to become a three-time, two-weight world champion.”

Mason’s aggressive southpaw style often relies on overwhelming opponents. Cordina’s career has been built on staying calm under fire and finding the single, sharp counter that changes the temperature of the room.

The event avoids the showcase trap by pairing its stars with undefeated, hungry challengers.

  • Abdullah Mason vs. Joe Cordina
  • Bruce Carrington vs. Rene Palacios
  • Tiger Johnson vs. Christopher Guerrero
  • Deric Davis vs. Carlos Ramos

This event is a litmus test for Top Rank’s acceleration of Mason. By placing him against a former world champion on a holiday weekend, they are betting that his power can bypass the learning curve. If Mason wins convincingly, he becomes the face of the new TNT/DAZN era. If Cordina drags him into deep water, the “superstar” narrative hits a significant speed bump in front of a global audience.

The night is designed to be a launchpad, but Joe Cordina is a fighter who has made a habit of staying grounded when everyone expects him to take flight.

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About the author

Robert Segal

Robert Segal is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24 with more than a decade of experience covering fight news, previews, and analysis. Known for his straightforward reporting and ringside perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, contenders, and emerging talent worldwide.


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