Former IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina has set his sights on a return to the pinnacle of boxing after a victorious comeback. Following a 14-month hiatus, Cordina secured a points win over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz to claim the vacant WBO global lightweight title at Manchester's AO Arena.

Cordina's Ambitions

Cordina, 33, is now targeting a world title shot in the lightweight division, where he previously held British and Commonwealth titles. "It's amazing to add another belt to the collection – that's always what you want to do in boxing," Cordina remarked. "But this is a WBO global – I want a WBO world title. Whether it's WBO, IBF or WBC – I don't care which one it is."

Path to the Top

Cordina's victory positions him within the top 15 globally, making him a contender for the WBO title. He expressed his readiness to face any of the current belt holders, including Abdullah Mason, Sam Noakes, Raymond Muratalla, and Gervonta Davis. "I just want to be back in the big fights and the big shows – that's what I'm in boxing for," he emphasized.

Career Highlights and Setbacks

Cordina first claimed the IBF super-featherweight title in June 2022 with a memorable victory over Kenichi Ogawa in Cardiff. However, a hand injury led to him being stripped of the title. He regained it in April 2023 with a split-decision win over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov, but lost it again to Anthony Cacace in May 2024.

The Comeback Fight

Originally scheduled to face Shakur Stevenson, Cordina instead faced the spirited Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz, who had only one loss in his professional career. Despite some ring rust, Cordina's experience and skill led him to a unanimous decision victory, with scorecards of 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92.

Looking Ahead

"It was a test I needed," Cordina told BBC Radio 5 Sport Extra. "There were three or four opponents sent to me and they were a lot easier than that one - I picked him solely on his punch power." Cordina's focus remains on reclaiming his status among boxing's elite, with his sights set on a world title in the near future.