Eddie Hearn has offered Jack Catterall, Conah Walker, Lewis Crocker and Joe Cordina as potential opponents for Manny Pacquiao on the Tyson Fury–Anthony Joshua undercard. Cordina is the most unusual proposal, with Hearn admitting he hasn’t discussed a move to welterweight with the Welshman.
Hearn wants Cordina on the Cardiff show, but a Pacquiao fight would require more than finding room on the bill. Moving to 147 would mean jumping two divisions from lightweight, putting the attraction of facing Pacquiao ahead of Cordina’s current title route.
“If you need an opponent for Manny Pacquiao, we’ve got Jack Catterall, Conah Walker, Lewis Crocker and Joe Cordina,” Hearn told reporters.
“I’ve not even spoke to Joe about moving to 147. I know 140 would be fine for Joe, but dare I say, Manny’s not a massive welterweight. I don’t know. But, you know, I want Joe on the card because he’s a two-time world champion from Wales. And if he fights Abdullah Mason or Manny Pacquiao, that’s a great fight.”
Hearn said Matchroom has also proposed Cordina against Abdullah Mason to Sela. That would keep Cordina at lightweight, while the Pacquiao suggestion offers a different opportunity built around the Filipino’s name.
Being a smaller welterweight doesn’t automatically make Pacquiao a suitable opponent for someone coming up from 135. Cordina would still need to assess how much size and strength he could add without losing the qualities that make him effective.
Catterall, Walker and Crocker give Sela other options without the same two-division jump. Hearn has supplied a shortlist, however, rather than announced negotiations with a selected opponent.
His understanding is that Pacquiao has some kind of agreement with Sela, but he offered no confirmed opponent. Hearn also said he won’t control the undercard, although Matchroom has an agreement to place fighters on it. Cordina’s inclusion remains something he is pushing for.
