Shock Upset as Cacace Dethrones Cordina for IBF Super Featherweight Title
On March 18th, the highly anticipated IBF super featherweight title fight between Joe Cordina and Anthony Cacace took place in Saudi Arabia. While the boxing world was captivated by Oleksandr Usyk’s historic victory over Tyson Fury, this bout deserved equal attention for the thrilling action it delivered.
Cordina, the defending champion, found himself in serious trouble in the third round when he was dropped heavily. Though he refused to back down, Cacace’s relentless onslaught and powerful, accurate shots eventually pinned Cordina on the ropes, prompting referee Bob Williams to stop the fight and crown Cacace the new champion.
“I want to say a big congratulations to Anthony Cacace. He got the job done. He’s the new world champion so hats off to him.”
- Joe Cordina
The 32-year-old Olympian admitted that the pivotal moment came when Cacace landed a hard left hook immediately after the fighters broke from a clinch, which took a toll on Cordina and allowed Cacace to seize control.
Rumors had circulated that Cordina may have struggled to make the 130-pound weight limit, and the defeat signals the end of his exciting super featherweight run. Cordina now plans to move up to the 135-pound division, where he will have to rely on his skills and boxing IQ to find success.
“It’s quite a difficult one to take. It’s a bitter pill to swallow and it’s dented my pride, but I’ve always said that to stop me you’re gonna have to stick me to the floor. It is what it is. He got the job done and got the win. It just wasn’t my night, as simple as that. I can’t make any excuses. That was his night.”
- Joe Cordina
🔗 Source
