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1) Joe Cordina is must-see TV
In the space of 18 months the Welshman has scored an unforgettable KO and played his part in two thrilling bouts. One of which, against Shavkatdzhon Rakihmov, is a fight of the year contender.
2) Edward Vazquez is the real deal
Last year many believed he was on the wrong end of a split decision against Raymond Ford. Vazquez’s four wins that followed didn’t get much attention, but he pushed Cordina all the way on Saturday night in Monte Carlo.
3) Knocking at the door
Cordina’s rivals will have looked at his performance and drawn confidence from it. O’Shaquie Foster, Leigh Wood and Emanuel Navarrete may be knocking even louder at Eddie Hearn’s door.
4) Flashback
Remember boxing during Covid? You could hear every punch, every reaction and every instruction from the corner. There was barely a soul to be heard at any show across the UK when boxing returned during the pandemic. While it wasn’t as ghostly quiet on Saturday at the Casino de Monte Carlo it wasn’t far off.
5) Lightweight
It may not be long before Cordina moves back up to 135lbs. His career kicked off at lightweight, a division in which he won the British title. At 31, making 130lbs can’t be getting easier. Cordina v Shakur Stevenson in 2024?
6) Getting Wood
Imagine a spring evening at the City Ground in Nottingham. Local favourite and boxing’s comeback king Leigh Wood against Cardiff’s Cordina in front of a huge outdoor crowd. Better still, their styles all but guarantee a thriller.
7) Vazquez to featherweight
‘The Kid’ is rightly receiving plaudits for Saturday but he may prove more effective back at featherweight. He has floated between the two divisions over the years and would be in the thick of things at 126lbs. Warrington v Vazquez, anyone?
8) Didn’t they used to box?
I love how pundits react at ringside to punches landing, particularly when they are former fighters who clearly adore the sport. The enthusiasm from co-commentators Tony Bellew and Darren Barker was typically infectious.
9) Smooth operator
Immediate post-fight interviews are not everyone’s cup of tea – or glass of Dom Pérignon for the Monte Carlo crew – but Matchroom’s Jamie Ward really excels at the role. Once again on Saturday night his mic work in the ring was professional, polished and precise. A natural.
10) Size doesn’t matter
Saturday’s four-fight card proved that we don’t always need shows to begin before teatime and finish at breakfast. We were treated to a bit of revenge from Ramla Ali, a knockout of the year contender from Adrien Curiel and a thoroughly entertaining main event between Cordina and Vazquez.
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