IN many ways, Joe Cordina is gearing up for a new chapter in his career, one that he hopes will be defined by two-division world championship status.
The Welshman has not fought since May of last year, back when he suffered an eighth-round stoppage defeat, while also losing his IBF super-featherweight strap, against Anthony Cacace.
On that particular night, Cordina, 17-1 (9 KOs), had been caught, viciously, moments after the referee called ‘break,’ with the shot – delivering just the right amount of venom – making it so that a swift recovery seemed nigh impossible.
But regardless of that controversy, the ferocious nature of Cacace’s performance was enough to remove something – quite what, it remains to be seen – from Cordina’s otherwise successful career.
Even in the immediate aftermath of that fight – as in, before his year-long layoff – there did not appear to be the same degree of lustre surrounding his mystique.
That, however, offers an apt reflection of the brutal reality that comes with a defeat in boxing.
One moment, a fighter could be flying high above the clouds, almost carrying an air of invincibility every time they step through the ropes. And then the next, they are suddenly left with very few options, just as everyone begins to forget their previous victories.
Many boxers have become a victim of that story, but Cordina, while having been cast to one side for a number of months, is now looking to claw himself out of that less desirable situation.
The first step of that process is expected to arrive this Saturday, with the 33-year-old entering a comeback fight, against Jaret Gonzalez, while featuring on the undercard of Jack Catterall vs Harlem Eubank.
His Mexican opponent, in fairness, boasts a winning record and, more concerning still, a sturdy pair of fists, though Cordina, while remaining laser focused on the task at hand, knows that far greater opportunities could be just around the corner.
More specifically, the fact that he is competing for the WBO Global lightweight title – an otherwise meaningless belt – would suggest that he may soon land himself a lofty ranking with the sanctioning body.
Should that materialise, Cordina is then likely to put himself in a far stronger position to challenge the winner of Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes, a matchup that has been ordered to crown the new WBO world champion at 135lbs.
And so, from that angle, it appears that the talented technician’s plan is both strategic and realistic, with another stab at world honours, more than anything else, remaining at the forefront of his mind.
But of course, we will only discover whether Cordina is, in fact, still the same sharp counterpuncher and crafty mover once he climbs his way back to the top level.
Until then, it is tempting to believe that the Rio Olympian, now with trainer Gary Lockett in his corner, has enough left in the tank to tie anyone up in knots.
