Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Joe Cordina set for April 22 in Wales

Undefeated Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (17-0-1, 14 KO’s), and Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KO’s) are good to go on April 22 in beautiful Cardiff, Wales. Rakhimov will defend the IBF world junior lightweight title at the International Arena, live on DAZN. 

Rakhimov will be playing a road game in his first title defense since beating Zelfa Barrett in a great fight last November to become world champion. Rakhimov had come just short of the finish line in his first title attempt in drawing with then champion Joseph Diaz in February 2021. 

An injury to Cordina, after winning the title last June, resulted in him being stripped of his belt that he was unable to defend. Now, he will attempt to regain the title he never actually lost in the ring. Cordina will be in front of a very supportive crowd fighting in his hometown of Cardiff. 

After turning pro in 2015, Rakhimov was a perfect 15-0 by 2019, before drawing with champion Diaz in Indio, California in his first title try. But, 2 fights later, he was a world champion after winning the title against Barrett in Abu Dhabi. And now he is set to face former champion Cordina, who is anxious to get his belt back. 

In a recent interview, Cordina made it clear he still feels like the champ, and he can’t wait to clock into work at home.

“I saw Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi and he’s certainly a good fighter,” said Cordina. “I respect him, he’s strong and tough but you need to have more than that to beat me. I never lost my belt in the ring, so my mindset is that I’m going to be walking in as the champion and leaving as the champion. Last time out, the fans were unreal, and I can’t wait to experience that incredible atmosphere again in Cardiff.”

Some may feel the hometown advantage could play a role for Cordina, but Rakhimov should get the nod in the experience and (deeper) resume department.

Rakhimov, living and training in Los Angeles at the famous Wild Card Gym, is relishing the chance to pull off another huge win against a star in his hometown. In a recent Instagram post by trainer Freddie Roach (who was pictured with Rakhimov, trainer Pepe Reilly and conditioning coach Pedro Garcia), he kept in short and sweet.

“We are ready”, said Roach. When Freddie Roach, who has worked with the very best of boxing, says his fighter is ready, trust that he is. 

Does Cordina regain in Cardiff or does Rakhimov repeat?

Prediction: I like Rakhimov by decision or late stoppage.