Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that he has had discussions with Joe Cordina about moving up to 135 to challenge Shakur Stevenson for his WBC lightweight title. Hearn says it’s just in the “discussion” stage.
Shakur says his first target, WBC #1 William Zepeda, wants to push the fight to February, and he doesn’t want to wait that long. Zepeda and his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, want to fight on the same card as Terence Crawford vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. in February in Riyadh.
If Hearn is going to sign free agent Shakur to his Matchroom company, giving him Cordina would be a good move for him.
It would be low risk and help Hearn build Shakur as a star in the UK because the US audience didn’t appreciate his fighting style. Shakur’s fighting style may be the right cup of tea for British audiences.
Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) recently lost his IBF super featherweight title to Anthony Cacace via eighth-round knockout on May 18 in a one-sided fight.
On many levels, Cordina, 32, will not be ready to challenge a skilled defensive artist like Shakur (22-0, 10 KOs). Cordina is ranked #13 WBC. On the plus side, Shakur can’t hit, so Cordina won’t be in danger of being hit by him. If Cordina’s power reaches 135, Shakur could be in for a long night, and he may have to ride his bike to avoid getting cut.
“I have spoken to Joe [Cordina] about fighting Shakur Stevenson. Joe is ready, but he also understands the challenge,” said Eddie Hearn speaking to Boxing News about former IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina possibly challenging Shakur Stevenson for his WBC lightweight title.
“Fairly, moving up in weight, you’d probably want an easier fight than Shakur Stevenson, but Joe has been wanting to take part in the biggest fights in the sport for years. If he sees that the opportunity is right, I am sure he will take it. But nothing is imminent yet. Negotiations,” said Hearn.
Cordina would be foolish to turn down a title shot against Shakur if it’s offered because he’s too old to move up the lightweight ranks to get a shot. He probably wouldn’t do well if he didn’t fight other contenders for the WBC title, such as Andy Cruz, Keyshawn Davis, Edwin De Los Santos, and Mark Chamberlain.
Zepeda pushed it back The fight will take place in February
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) August 16, 2024
