Joe Cordina is hoping to win back the IBF world super featherweight title in style when he takes on Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov this coming Saturday live on DAZN.
Cordina first captured the belt last June with an impressive second round knockout against Kenichi Ogawa, but after picking up a hand injury during the fight and taking time out to recover, the Welshman was stripped which resulted in Rakhimov being crowned champion after beating Zelfa Barrett in November.
Now Cordina has the chance to become a two-time world champion in front of his home fans once more, but while he will have the backing of his loyal fanbase, Cordina is aware of the challenge Rakhimov poses.
"Shavkat Rakhimov – he’s tough, he’s strong, he’s fit and he can punch hard," Cordina said.
"I always say, you have to have a little bit more than just that to beat me. I’m a little bit better than him in all the boxes. I believe I’ve got a very good boxing brain.
"My ring IQ is second to none. My footwork is a different level. I’m good on the inside, I can fight up close. I can fight going backwards. I can pretty much do it all."
Cordina maybe wary of what Rakhimov could produce inside the ring, but he is confident that he can once again produce a highlight reel knockout and become a world champion once more.
"Don’t get me wrong, I’m not perfect in any way, shape or form and I’m not the finished article, but he has to have a little bit more than just being tough and strong and being able to punch to beat me," Cordina continued.
"He isn’t really bringing anything that I’ve never seen before. There’s not a man on the planet that I fear. I’ll find a way to put you on the deck."