Joe Cordina, a former IBF super featherweight champion, finds himself yearning for a fight against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. Originally scheduled for October 12, the bout was derailed when Cordina was sidelined due to a hand injury. For Cordina, who is now 33 years old, this was a significant setback not only in terms of personal ambition but also because it meant missing out on a financially lucrative opportunity that comes with high-profile matches.
The disappointment of Cordina is understandable. In a sport where timing and opportunity often dictate success, his unforeseen injury has left him in a difficult position. Adding to his frustration is Stevenson’s decision to move forward with a different opponent, Floyd Schofield, who has signed to challenge Stevenson for the WBC lightweight title. This decision, while understandable from Stevenson’s perspective, illustrates the harsh realities of boxing; opportunities can be fleeting, and injuries often leave fighters at the mercy of circumstances beyond their control.
Transitioning from the mention of a potential fight to the financial aspects reveals a glaring truth: the allure of a lucrative payday. According to reports, Schofield is set to make a career-high sum of over $1 million for his upcoming bout, a figure Cordina could have aspired to had he been given the chance to fight Stevenson. This financial factor plays a significant role in the mental outlook of any fighter. The loss of a potential payday is undeniably disheartening, and it can impact a fighter’s mindset and career trajectory.
While Stevenson’s choice to fight Schofield aligns with the interests of promoters keen on captivating a global audience, it raises questions about the loyalty to the sport and the other fighters within it. Cordina, a fighter who has already faced adversity, finds himself on the brink of further challenges as he navigates through uncharted territories of the lightweight division.
Given the circumstances, it might serve Cordina well to consider moving up to the lightweight division. After sustaining a knockout defeat at the hands of Anthony Cacace earlier this year, it’s apparent that Cordina must regroup and strategize around his next steps. Entering the lightweight category will not be easy, especially since he will be starting without an established rank or recent success in that weight class. Cordina’s advanced age works against him as he fights to prove he still belongs in the title picture.
Moreover, a careful analysis of the current landscape reveals that he will need to put in the work to secure a spot as a contender once more. The opportunity for a title shot, especially against a champion like Stevenson, should be earned rather than given, emphasizing the need for Cordina to embrace the hard work that lies ahead.
Joe Cordina’s journey is far from over, even with the setbacks he has faced. The disillusionment that comes with missed opportunities is palpable, yet it also offers Cordina a chance to reassess his strategy, training, and determination. Understanding the landscape of the lightweight division and identifying how best to establish himself is crucial. With resilience as his ally, Cordina can turn this disappointment into a stepping stone toward reclaiming his place among boxing’s elite fighters. Only time will tell if he can secure the much-anticipated match with Shakur Stevenson, but for now, the fight continues on a different battleground.