Joe Cordina accepts Pacquiao offer for Cardiff bill but no contract signed

Joe Cordina says he has agreed to face Manny Pacquiao in his home city of Cardiff — but the proposed bout has yet to reach the contract stage.

The Welsh boxer told Sky Sports he had accepted an offer to appear on the Anthony Joshua–Tyson Fury undercard at the Principality Stadium in December. He has neither received nor signed a contract and is still waiting for confirmation that the contest will happen.

Cordina said: “I’ve been offered it, I’ve said yes, agreed everything and I’m now just waiting for them to either tell me yes or no?”

The 34-year-old, who has twice held a super-featherweight world title, said he had spent four or five weeks training with Pacquiao in mind. He was told the opportunity would be offered to another boxer if he declined.

A chance to face an eight-division champion

For Cordina, the appeal is the chance to box someone he watched before taking up the sport himself. He said facing Pacquiao would be an honour, while stressing that he still wants to win more world titles.

Pacquiao, 47, most recently fought Mario Barrios in July 2025. Their WBC welterweight title contest finished level, although Cordina believes Pacquiao edged it. Cordina argued that the Filipino still has speed and power, while suggesting time out of the ring could affect his timing.

Sky Sports has sought comment from Pacquiao’s team.

The Joshua–Fury event is scheduled for Friday 11 December at the Principality Stadium, with the ringwalk expected at 1am on Saturday 12 December. Cordina’s place on that bill remains subject to confirmation.

Source: Sky Sports