Boxing: Cordina beats Rakhimov to become two-time world champion

Joe Cordina regained the IBF super-featherweight title with a thrilling split decision win

Two judges scored it 115-112 114-113 for the Welshman

CARDIFF, April 22 (BBC) - Joe Cordina regained the IBF super-featherweight title with a thrilling split decision win over Shavkat Rakhimov at the Cardiff International Arena.

The Welshman, fighting in front of his home fans, lost his title to Rakhimov by a split decision in June 2022.

Cordina started quickly and had the better of the opening rounds, but Rakhimov came back into the fight and hurt Cordina with a big left hook in the seventh.

However, Cordina showed his resilience and boxed well in the championship rounds to secure a deserved victory. Two judges scored it 115-112 and 114-113 for Cordina, while the third scored it 114-113 for Rakhimov.

Cordina's victory is a major boost for British boxing and moves him into a strong position in the super-featherweight division.