Stevenson withdrew after suffering a hand injury during training and underwent surgery. The cancellation cost Cordina a world title fight through no fault of his own, but Matchroom then needed nearly nine months to get him back into the ring.
Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz was a reasonable opponent for his lightweight return in July 2025. Coming back against a limited fighter made sense after the Cacace defeat, the Stevenson cancellation and more than a year outside the ring. The mistake was giving Cordina a second rebuilding fight five months later. Gabriel Flores Jr. carried a higher ranking and a recognizable name, but he presented little danger to a boxer with Cordina’s championship experience. One tune-up should have been enough.
After defeating Flores by unanimous decision on December 13, Cordina became the WBO’s No. 1 lightweight contender. He then waited nearly seven months for a title fight against Abdullah Mason in Cleveland.
That date was lost when the United States embassy refused Cordina’s visa application. He had been charged following an alleged February incident in Cardiff and later pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault by beating. Cordina maintains that he acted in self-defense, and his trial is scheduled for October 13.
The visa denial brought another damaging interruption, but it does not explain why Cordina has not fought in Britain since the Mason fight collapsed. Matchroom should already have placed him on a UK card against a respectable lightweight. Even a 10-round bout would have kept him active while protecting his No. 1 WBO ranking. Instead, more valuable months have been lost.
Since Cacace stopped him in May 2024, Cordina has fought only twice, and neither opponent showed how he would perform against a leading lightweight. His world championship experience means he does not require an extended rebuilding process.
Both title fights were lost through circumstances beyond Cordina’s control. The long periods surrounding them were avoidable. At 34, he needs meaningful opposition, not another year spent waiting.
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