Former IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring on 5 July at Manchester's AO Arena. Cordina will face Jaret Gonzalez in a lightweight bout, marking his first fight since his surprising defeat to Anthony Cacace in May 2024.

Cordina, who has a professional record of 17-1 with 9 knockouts, was originally scheduled to make his comeback against Shakur Stevenson in October 2024. However, Stevenson withdrew due to a hand injury, delaying Cordina's return. Now, the Welsh boxer is ready to reclaim his status in the lightweight division, where he previously won British and Commonwealth titles.

Jaret Gonzalez, a 24-year-old Mexican fighter, also boasts a record of 17-1 with 13 knockouts. While Gonzalez has shown promise, he has yet to face opponents of Cordina's caliber. Cordina, who has moved back to south Wales, will be training with Gary Lockett for this crucial fight.

Cordina's journey has been marked by significant achievements and setbacks. As a decorated amateur, he represented Team GB alongside Anthony Joshua and won bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. He turned professional in 2017 and claimed the IBF super-featherweight title in June 2022 by defeating Kenichi Ogawa. However, he was stripped of the title after being unable to defend it within 90 days due to a hand injury. Cordina reclaimed the title in April 2023 with a hard-fought split-decision win over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov but lost it again to Cacace in May 2024.

This fight marks Cordina's first under a new promotional deal with Matchroom, following the expiration of his previous contract. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Cordina can regain his former glory and set the stage for future high-profile bouts.

Event Details:

• Date: 5 July 2025
• Venue: AO Arena, Manchester
• Main Event: Jack Catterall vs. Harlem Eubank
• Co-Main Event: Joe Cordina vs. Jaret Gonzalez

Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying night of boxing!