Joe Cordina became Wales’ latest world champion with a stunning second-round knockout of Kenichi Ogawa in front of a rowdy home crowd at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena. Cordina’s emphatic finish came from nowhere, but it eliminated any doubt that the Welshman is a talent ready for the big stage now he has his hands on the IBF super-featherweight strap.
The opening round was a cagey affair as both fighters tried to assert their authority early on. Cordina opted to do it with his accurate jab, while Ogawa preferred outright aggression to get ahead. The fight would take a similar theme for the remainder of the rounds, but that logic quickly disappeared moments into the second session.
With a more patient approach, Cordina kept his distance, and when he noticed Ogawa’s chin was exposed, he unleashed the punch of his career that was an instant show closer. The Japanese star, a widely respected world champion, did all he could to beat the count, but there was no way he could regain his senses as the referee counted him out.
All updates from Cordina vs. Ogawa can be found below.