Joe Cordina has agreed to terms to fight Manny Pacquiao, putting the Welshman in position for a major payday if the proposed contest goes ahead.
The bout is being discussed for the December 11 Fury–Joshua card, although Eddie Hearn’s latest update confirms only that Cordina’s side has accepted the terms. He is still waiting to find out whether the fight will happen.
“We’ve agreed terms to fight Manny Pacquiao, but we don’t know if that’s happening,” Hearn told reporters. “From our side, we’ve agreed to do it.”
That leaves Cordina waiting on a fight that would bring him attention far beyond his usual audience. Pacquiao’s name would make this one of the most watched nights of his career, even with the Filipino well past his best years.
Cordina has every reason to take the opportunity. A fight against Pacquiao offers a different financial ceiling from the conventional route through the lightweight division. Adding it to Fury–Joshua would also give the former super featherweight champion a huge platform in front of a British audience.
The boxing question is what each man would bring at the agreed weight. Hearn did not reveal that detail, and it would have a considerable effect on the matchup. Cordina’s sharp punching and timing would be tested differently against a naturally smaller opponent than against someone accustomed to competing above his weight.
Pacquiao’s age would inevitably dominate the buildup. The name still sells, but the fighter taking the punches must perform on the night. Cordina would need to approach him as an opponent to beat, rather than let the occasion become a celebration of the former champion’s career.
Agreeing terms removes one obstacle from Cordina’s side. It also shows that his team sees enough reward in the proposed fight to accept it.
The next step is getting Pacquiao’s participation settled, and the contest announced. Cordina has accepted his end of the deal; Hearn’s wording makes clear that he cannot yet promise the fight.
