Joe Cordina promises to END Edward Vasquez in their world title fight in Monaco on Saturday… as the British star insists he is more than just a ‘pretty fighter’
- Joe Cordina is set to defend his IBF super featherweight world title on Saturday
- The Welsh product is taking on Edward Vasquez in a crunch bout in Monaco
- Listen to Mail Sport’s new boxing podcast THE HOOK – with exclusive interviews
British star Joe Cordina says he’s more than just a ‘pretty fighter’ and vows to end Edward Vasquez at the Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin in Monte Carlo on Saturday night.
Cordina rendered IBF super featherweight champion Kenichi Ogawa unconscious in the second round of a world title fight in Cardiff in 2022 to become a star within his own right.
The Welsh product followed up his prolific victory against the dangerous Ogawa with a split-decision win over the extremely tough mandatory challenger Shavkat Rakhimov earlier this year.
Now he is looking to beat Vazquez in a venue close to his heart – the Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin in Monte Carlo. Cordina will be headlining the event four years after he first featured in Monaco.
Speaking ahead of the fight at Thursday’s press conference, Cordina said: ‘Vasquez said in an interview he thinks I am taking him lightly.
Joe Cordina has promised to end Edward Vasquez in their world title fight this weekend
Cordina is defending his IBF super featherweight world title in Monaco against Vasquez
‘I have never taken a journey-man lightly, nevermind a world title fight. This is a fight that is going to potentially set up my future and my family’s future.
‘I have three kids to look after. So, every time it gets tough, I think of my kids. I know he is going to put it all on the line and I am willing to do that too.’
Cordina went on to add: ‘Vasquez is going to bring it. It’s a big opportunity for him. He’s a good fighter. I have watched his fight against Ford and I think he should have had it. He’s going to bring his A game and he’s going to bring the heat but I am ready to match whatever he brings.
‘People said I never had power, now look at my knockouts. Then they were saying I can only look pretty in the ring but I shut plenty of boxers down. Now, if you come into the gym and see how I spar and how I train, I do it on the daily.’
The two-time IBF super-featherweight champion went on to discuss his fight with Rakhimov and praised the 29-year-old for forcing him ‘out of first gear’.
Cordina said: ‘The fight with Rakhimov is the only fight in my pro career that I have had to get out of first gear. Vasquez is saying I am cocky because I said you have to be special to beat me. I am not being cocky, it’s just I believe in my ability.
‘I have done it time and time again as a pro. And I have done it all throughout my amateur career, 180 odd amateur fights.’
Cordina also insisted there is no chance he would be taking Vasquez lightly as an opponent
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