Ruinous news has struck the world of professional boxing, with former IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina facing serious allegations in connection with an incident at a Cardiff petrol station earlier this year. The 34-year-old's reputation as one of Britain's top boxers hangs precariously in the balance as he prepares to face charges of assault and threatening a person with an offensive weapon at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on 7th July.
South Wales Police have confirmed that two men, including Cordina from Pontprennau, have been charged following an incident outside Pentwyn Service Station on Pentwyn Road, Cardiff, on 27th February 2026. Cordina faces charges of assault and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place. Meanwhile, Jamie O'Brien, 32, from Pentwyn, has also been charged with assault and is scheduled to appear in court on 28th July.
The timing of these allegations could not be more unfortunate for Cordina, who had been preparing for a high-profile bout against Abdullah Mason in Cleveland – an opportunity that would have cemented his status as a two-weight, three-time world champion. However, the US embassy's decision to deny him a visa has dealt a crushing blow to his professional prospects.
Cordina's statement on social media revealed the depth of his disappointment: "Just to let everyone know that I’m not going to fight. There’s no injuries, I’ve had a great camp and I was meant to fly over this week. A couple of days back, I went to the US embassy in London and they basically denied me a visa. I tried to explain certain things and I had all the paperwork to back it up and they wasn’t having it.” He added, “They just basically told me ‘you ain’t getting in’. It’s out of my hands and I’m absolutely gutted because it was my chance to become a three-time, two-weight world champion.”
With a professional record boasting 19 wins and one loss, Cordina had already secured a distinguished amateur career, representing Team GB at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. His last professional fight took place in December 2025, where he earned a points victory over Gabriel Flores Jr.
The gravity of these charges and the earlier visa refusal will undoubtedly cast a shadow over Cordina's reputation and future prospects, both within the boxing community and among his devoted fan base. The outcome of his court appearance on July 7th will be eagerly anticipated by all who follow the sport.