Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that he’s had talks with Joe Cordina about him shifting as much as 135 to problem Shakur Stevenson for his WBC light-weight title. Hearn says it’s simply within the “discussions” stage.
Shakur says his authentic goal, WBC #1 William Zepeda, needs to push the battle to February, and he doesn’t need to wait that lengthy. Zepeda and his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, need to battle on the identical card as Terence Crawford vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. in February in Riyadh.
If Hearn goes to signal the free agent Shakur to his Matchroom firm, providing him Cordina can be a pleasant gesture on his half.
It will be low-risk and assist Hearn construct Shakur as a star within the UK as a result of the U.S. audiences have been unappreciative of his preventing model. Shakur’s preventing model may be the best cup of tea for British audiences.
Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) not too long ago misplaced his IBF tremendous featherweight title to Anthony Cacace by an eighth-round knockout on Might 18th in a one-sided battle.
On many ranges, Cordina, 32, wouldn’t be supreme for difficult a extremely expert defensive artist like Shakur (22-0, 10 KOs). Cordina is ranked #13 WBC. On the constructive aspect, Shakur can’t punch, so Cordina received’t be susceptible to getting knocked out by him. If Cordina’s energy carries as much as 135, Shakur could possibly be in an extended evening, and he may need to get on his bike to maintain from getting clipped.
“I’ve spoken to Joe [Cordina] about preventing Shakur Stevenson. Joe is up for it, however he additionally understands the problem,” mentioned Eddie Hearn to Boxing Information about former IBF tremendous featherweight champion Joe Cordina doubtlessly difficult Shakur Stevenson for his WBC light-weight title subsequent.
“Ideally, shifting up a weight division, you’d most likely need a better battle than Shakur Stevenson, however Joe is on the age the place he needs to be concerned within the greatest fights within the sport. If he feels the chance is correct, I’m positive he’ll take it. However nothing shut but. Discussions,” mentioned Hearn.
Cordina can be silly to show down a title shot towards Shakur if provided as a result of he’s too previous to work his method up the light-weight rankings to earn a shot. He doubtless wouldn’t do nicely if he fought a few of the contenders within the WBC’s rankings, like Andy Cruz, Keyshawn Davis, Edwin De Los Santos, and Mark Chamberlain.
Zepeda pushed it again The battle will occur in February https://t.co/rVIFsdxibb
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) August 16, 2024
