Joe Cordina acquitted of assault as Eddie Hearn targets Fury–Joshua undercard spot

Joe Cordina has been found not guilty of assault by beating at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, clearing a legal issue that had already cost him one world-title opportunity and threatened his boxing licence.

The former two-time IBF super-featherweight champion can now turn his attention back to his career, with promoter Eddie Hearn pushing for the Welshman to appear on the Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua undercard at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11.

District Judge Charlotte Murphy acquitted Cordina of assaulting Jamie O’Brien outside a petrol station in Pentwyn, Cardiff, in February. She had previously ruled that there was no case to answer on a second assault charge.

Cordina had been filling his Land Rover when he approached O’Brien, who was sitting near the station exit. The 34-year-old told the court that he initially believed O’Brien was a supporter seeking a photograph, but O’Brien responded, “You come here,” after Cordina called him over.

CCTV footage showed O’Brien pushing Cordina with his shoulder before Cordina landed a punch that knocked him down. The pair continued to remonstrate and exchange blows. O’Brien, 33, had previously pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Cordina said he acted in self-defence after feeling threatened by the shoulder barge. “He had his hands in his pockets, I don't know what people carry on them these days,” he told the court.

Delivering her verdict, Murphy said: “I am satisfied that the defendant believed it was necessary to use force to defend himself. I am further satisfied that a single, measured, controlled punch was proportionate in the circumstances.”

The judge said the footage could not be judged solely in slow motion because Cordina had only “a split second to consider his response to the shoulder barge”. She also accepted his evidence that he repeatedly pushed O’Brien “while on the floor to keep him away from him”.

“In my view, it was necessary and the force used was proportionate in the circumstances,” Murphy said. “I reject any suggestion that the defendant was retaliating in any way. This is a person who has lived in the public eye for many years and has interacted with the public on a daily basis.

“For all of those reasons, the crown has not proved to the criminal standard. I therefore find the defendant not guilty and dismiss the charge.”

Lost title opportunities

The proceedings had already affected Cordina’s career. He was due to challenge Abdullah Mason for the WBO lightweight title in Cleveland on July 4 but withdrew after being refused a US visa while the case was pending.

Cordina rejected reports that an injury was responsible for his withdrawal, saying he had completed his training camp before his visa application was denied.

It was his second lost world-title opportunity since moving up from super-featherweight. A planned October 2024 challenge against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson was cancelled after Stevenson suffered a hand injury.

Cordina subsequently recorded points victories over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz and Gabriel Flores Jr, rebuilding after Anthony Cacace stopped him in May 2024 to take his IBF title. He has not fought since defeating Flores by unanimous decision in California last December, a win that took his professional record to 19-1 with nine knockouts.

During the trial, Cordina said a conviction would make it “pretty much” certain that he risked losing his boxing licence. He also said the possibility had “100%” affected how he conducted himself in public.

Outside court, Cordina’s counsel, Nadeem Majid, said: “Today’s verdict is a huge relief for Joe and everybody close to him. He’s always maintained his innocence throughout.”

Majid added: “On behalf of Joe I’d like to thank his family, friends, loyal fans, and legal team for their unwavering support. Joe would now like to continue to concentrate on his family and boxing, and we’d all like to see him on the bill in December.”

Hearn proposes Mason rematch

Hearn has proposed reviving the Mason fight for the Fury-Joshua show and has put the match-up to event organiser Sela. He has also offered Cordina as a possible opponent for Manny Pacquiao, although he acknowledged that he had not discussed a move to welterweight with the Welshman.

“I want Joe on the card because he’s a two-time world champion from Wales,” Hearn told BoxingScene.

Discussing Mason as a possible opponent, Hearn said: “I'd love to see Joe get an opportunity on the card. Obviously, we've got a lot of Welsh fighters coming through as well. We've got so many young fighters who want to be a part of the night.

“You know, we're in Wales. Give Joe Cordina his shot. It's a hell of a fight.”

Neither Mason nor Pacquiao has been confirmed as Cordina’s next opponent. Hearn’s proposal for the December 11 card also remains subject to negotiations with Sela, the event organisers.