Joe Cordina ruled out of world title defence in Abu Dhabi after hand injury

Joe Cordina’s reigning title defense against Shavkat Rahimov in Abu Dhabi was interrupted after the super featherweight champion suffered a hand injury.

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The bout is one of three title fights announced at the Etihad Arena on November 5, with the light heavyweight title Dmitry Bivol headlines Against mandatory challenger Gilberto “Zuldo” Ramirez.

Unbeaten Cordina was reportedly stripped of his IBF title as a pro 15-0, with No. 1 contender Rakimov now expected to join No. 2 Zell in the vacant belt Zelfa Barrett competes. The fight has yet to be confirmed. ESPN was the first to report Cordina’s injury.

In a social media post on Tuesday morning, Welsh Olympian Cordina posted a photo of his badly stitched hand and wrote: “Absolutely visceral. I’ve tried my whole life to be a world champion but I’m not even No chance to defend the title. Feels like I’ve been robbed.”

The November 5 event in Abu Dhabi is the first of a recently announced agreement between the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and well-known promoter Matchroom Boxing. It was called the “Championship Series” and marked the start of Abu Dhabi’s major boxing event.

In addition to Bivol-Ramirez, Matchroom has confirmed that the card will Including Championship Between WBC and IBF Women’s Junior Welterweight Champion Chantelle Cameron and undisputed welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill.

Updated: October 4, 2022 9:51 am