Former IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina has admitted that the prospect of stepping into the ring with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao would "be an honour," as negotiations for a potential high-profile showdown reach an advanced stage.
The proposed bout is currently targeted for the undercard of a blockbuster event featuring heavyweight superstars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. If finalized, the fight would take place in Cordina’s home city of Cardiff on 11 December, offering the Welsh fighter a monumental platform on home soil.
For the 34-year-old, who was recently cleared of assault charges following a stressful legal ordeal, a matchup against one of the undisputed legends of the sport represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to "skyrocket" his career to new heights.
Speaking exclusively to BBC Sport Wales, Cordina expressed his deep admiration for the Filipino icon, reflecting on the historical magnitude of the potential clash.
"In 100 years’ time, world titles will still be there – a legend like Manny Pacquiao will never come again," Cordina said. "For me to share the ring with him would be unbelievable for me, he’s someone I grew up watching before I was even boxing."
Pacquiao, now 47 years old, has remained out of the active-fighting rotation since July 2025, having previously stepped away from the sport before embarking on a second comeback attempt. Widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in boxing history, the legendary southpaw holds the remarkable distinction of being a 12-time world champion across eight different weight divisions—a feat that may never be replicated in the modern era of the sport.
"He’s done everything in the sport," Cordina added, acknowledging the veteran’s advancing age while respecting his enduring capabilities. "He’s getting on, but he still showed that he can compete with the best. If it happens it’s unbelievable for me and it’s a dream come true, I’ve always wanted those big fights and big names."
Despite the immense stature of his prospective opponent, the Welshman insists that he would not be overawed by the occasion should the bout successfully make it over the line. Armed with the experience of a two-time world champion and a former Olympian, Cordina is approaching the potential matchup with absolute clarity and focus.
"I’ve not got it twisted. I’m not going to go in there and be shy, be starstruck by Manny Pacquiao," the fighter stated. "But this potentially could change my whole life and skyrocket me to the moon. It’s a massive opportunity."
The promising news regarding a potential career-defining fight comes on the heels of a turbulent period for Cordina, both inside and outside the sporting world. Earlier this week, the Welsh fighter was officially cleared of assault charges following an incident that occurred outside a petrol station in the Pentwyn area of Cardiff back in February.
The legal battle carried severe professional repercussions for the former Olympian. Prior to the legal clearance, Cordina had been scheduled to challenge American boxer Mason for the vacant WBO lightweight title in Cleveland during the month of July. However, the travel plans and fight aspirations were brought to a sudden halt when he was denied a United States visa following the formal filing of charges against him.
With the legal proceedings now completely behind him and all charges dismissed, Cordina confirmed that he will not be pursuing litigation for loss of earnings, choosing instead to focus entirely on rebuilding his momentum and securing his next championship opportunity.
Reflecting on the psychological and financial strain of the past several months, Cordina opened up about the heavy burden the situation placed on his daily life, his loved ones, and his professional ambitions.
"It took a toll on me, my family and obviously financially it hit me quite hard because I lost out on a fight through it," Cordina said. "I knew when it got down to the nitty-gritty that the evidence that was there and I knew that outcome would be the case. I was assaulted – all I did was defend myself."
Even with the internal conviction that he had acted lawfully by defending himself, the looming uncertainty of a court case created an underlying tension that proved difficult to shake. The psychological weight, Cordina explains, manifested in unexpected ways, casting a shadow over his personal life during a period when he should have been focused purely on his athletic peak.
"Even though I knew that potentially it was going to go the way it went, it’s always in the back of your mind," Cordina added. "Subconsciously you’re thinking about it and then sometimes you might have a little bit of anxiety thinking that way. Then that little bit of anxiety will determine how you’re acting or how you’re behaving or how you are."
He continued, sharing the personal regret over how the stress indirectly affected his interactions with his immediate family.
"Being around my kids I might be snappy and with my wife and whatever else, but I don’t mean to. It’s just because there’s some things that are going on in my head and unfortunately for me I lost the chance of winning another world title – my third world title in two different weights."
Despite the hardships, the setback, and the public scrutiny surrounding the case, Cordina remains steadfast in his commitment to his supporters and his community. The former world champion insists that the ordeal will not alter how he conducts himself in public or how he engages with the fans who recognize him on a daily basis.
"I get noticed maybe five or six times a day, sometimes people call me over, people want photos," Cordina said. "I’m in the public eye and I believe part and parcel of what I do is being involved with people, interacting with people and interacting with the public. Some people might be having a bad day and just that little chat might make their day so, I wouldn’t do anything different."
