Cordina vs Rakhimov Nov 5 IBF Mandatory Title Fight Cancelled
Joe Cordina vs Rakhimov OFF The Bivol Ramirez Card Due To Cordina Injury
The IBF Super Featherweight title fight between champion, Wales\’ Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) and mandatory challenger, Tajikistan\’s Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) has been cancelled due to an injury sustained by the Welshman.
NoSmokeBoxing understands that Cordina injured his right hand whilst in training camp. The champion suffered the same injury in 2019, keeping him out of the ring for over twelve months.
ESPN\’s Mike Coppinger reported that Cordina has been stripped of his IBF Title and Zelfa Barrett could face Rakhimov for the vacant title.
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The clash between the Ring Magazine\’s #5 and #3 130-pounders was scheduled to take place on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol\’s WBA championship defence against Gilberto \’Zurdo\’ Ramirez on Nov 5 in Abu Dhabi, UAE; a Matchroom on DAZN card.
Cordina won the title with a knockout of the year candidate against Japan\’s Kenichi Ogawa back in June. The IBF ordered Ogawa to defend his title against Rakhimov earlier in the year, however, Matchroom managed to agree on a step-a-side deal with the Tajikistani fighter, which allowed Cordina to get his shot first on the condition he fought Rakhimov in his maiden defence.