Joe Cordina’s moment in the sun was incredibly transient. Following a jaw-dropping second-round stoppage win over Kenichi Ogawa in 2022, Cordina proudly draped the IBF super featherweight title over his shoulders.
Though he was convinced that he would have a protracted stint atop the division, Cordina was forced to vacate his newly won crown due to a bothersome hand injury. After quickly healing up, the 31-year-old reclaimed what was rightfully his by winning a split decision against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov this past weekend.
Although the end result is what he’s most proud of, Cordina (16-0, 9 KOs) worked hard for his victory. Sitting quietly as the action unfolded, O’Shaquie Foster stroked his chin hair as an interested observer.
In the infancy stages of his career, Foster (20-2, 11 KOs) struggled out of the gate. Nevertheless, despite suffering two defeats to nondescript opponents, Foster reeled off 10 consecutive victories. His latest triumph, however, is one that he’s most proud of.
Viewed as a slight underdog in his previous ring appearance, Foster demonstrated that he should be considered one of the division’s mainstays. On February 11th, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Foster found himself staring directly into the eyes of Rey Vargas. Physical dimensions aside, Foster shone brightly on the biggest stage of his career, winning a lopsided decision and the vacant WBC super featherweight title.
While the 29-year-old could opt for a soft touch in the first defense of his recently won trinket, he has no desire to face a tenuous foe. Instead, Foster has placed a brazen target on the backside of Cordina.
Of course, a trip to the medical tent for the two-time world champion, along with rest, is well-needed. But, once the UK native is done licking his wounds, Foster is hoping that he’ll attempt to unify titles against him.
“Congratulations to Joe Cordina,” said Foster on his social media account. “Rest up then come see me. I got smoke for ya.”