Former boxing world champion Joe Cordina has been charged with assault and threatening a person with an offensive weapon following a disturbing incident at a Cardiff petrol station earlier this year. The 34-year-old, a two-time IBF super-featherweight champion, now faces a serious legal reckoning that threatens to derail his professional boxing career.
South Wales Police confirmed that Cordina, from Pontprennau, has been charged in connection with an incident outside Pentwyn Service Station, Pentwyn Road, Cardiff, which occurred on 27 February 2026. He is due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on 7 July to face the charges. Jamie O'Brien, 32, from Pentwyn, who was also involved in the incident, has been charged with assault and will appear in court on 28 July.
The charges have resulted in the cancellation of Cordina's highly anticipated WBO lightweight title bout against Abdullah Mason, which was scheduled for 4 July in Cleveland, USA. The reason cited by Cordina himself for the fight's collapse was a denied US visa application. He expressed his disappointment and frustration on social media, stating that he had been ready to compete after a strong training camp.
Cordina, with an impressive professional record of 19 wins from 20 fights, including nine victories by knockout, has spoken publicly about the difficulties surrounding his visa application. In an Instagram video, he explained his efforts to secure the necessary documentation at the US embassy in London and expressed his regret that this was ultimately unsuccessful.
The cancellation of the title fight and uncertainty over future international bouts present a significant setback for Cordina, both personally and professionally. As the legal proceedings unfold in July, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact his boxing career long-term.