Welsh icon Joe Cordina is set to defend his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against the well-regarded American competitor Edward Vazquez at the renowned Casino de Monte Carlo and live on DAZN.
Undefeated Cordina (16-0, 9 KOs) is celebrated as one of the great British fighters of the current era. He clinched the title twice within just 16 fights and is returning after his remarkable victory last April against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov. Cordina revisits Monaco, reminiscing his win against Mario Enrique Tinoco back in November 2019.
Trained by Tony Sims, the 31-year-old champion confronts a challenging opponent in Vazquez (15-1, 3 KOs), who lands his inaugural World Title opportunity following a streak of four victories. The sole blemish on the 27-year-old Texan’s record was a closely contested loss to Raymond Ford in May 2022.
Yet another gripping World Title fight awaits as South Africa’s Sive Nontshinga defends his IBF Light Flyweight title against Mexico’s Adrian Curiel Dominguez (22-4-1, 3 KOs).
The ‘Special One’ Nontshinga (12-0, 9 KOs) will be making the second defense of his IBF belt, initially secured in a memorable bout against Hector Flores Calixto in 2022. This contest is set to be another captivating 12-round showdown.
Additionally, the future talents of French boxing are set to shine. Souleymane Cissokho will be defending his WBC Silver Welterweight Title against Isaias Lucero.
Cissokho, who achieved Olympic Bronze in 2016, boasts an unblemished professional record (16-0, 9 KOs). He aims to deliver a compelling showcase of his remarkable skills on home ground against the power-punching Mexican, Lucero (16-1, 10 KOs).
The motivational story of Ramla Ali continues. She’s determined to reclaim her pride, seeking to reverse her sole professional loss in a follow-up fight with Julissa Guzman for the IBF Inter-Continental Super-Bantamweight Championship. Guzman (13-2-2, 7 KOs) remarkably bested Ali (8-1-0, 2 KOs) in their previous encounter in New Orleans.
Campaigner Ali, who left conflict-ridden Somalia at 12 years old to reside in the UK, was honored as one of Time Magazine’s Women of the Year for 2023. Alongside her roles as a global ambassador for UNICEF, Cartier, and Christian Dior, a victory over Guzman would bolster her aspirations of seizing a future World Champion title.
“I’m eager to compete at the Casino de Monte-Carlo again, defending my IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Edward Vazquez,” expressed Cordina. “Monaco holds fond memories for me, especially after securing the WBA Continental Title during my debut at Super-Featherweight. I aim to deliver an unforgettable performance on November 4, striving to unite the division. Be sure to catch the action live on DAZN.”
“We’re thrilled to revisit the scenic Monte Carlo for another packed evening of World Title bouts,” articulated Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “It’s been since 2019 since our last event in Monte Carlo, and the anticipation is real. This event features top-contender IBF Super-Featherweight World Champion Joe Cordina and IBF Light-Flyweight World Champion Sive Nontshinga. The scenic Casino de Monte-Carlo offers an unparalleled boxing ambiance, and we’re set to deliver a captivating evening of championship battles to fans globally on DAZN. Ramla Ali is determined to settle scores with Julissa Guzman, and France’s star Souleyman Cissokho is on his journey up the Welterweight division, facing off against Isaias Lucero. We’ll be sharing more fight details shortly.”
Joe Cordina Reflects on His Return and Upcoming Fight:
“Returning to this venue after four years feels particularly significant; it’s a place that holds a dear spot in my heart. I respect my opponent—he’s skilled and I’ve always taken him seriously. Despite what some interview suggested, I’ve never underestimated an opponent, let alone in a fight as consequential as this one for a world title. I’m aware of what’s at stake; my future and that of my children depend on my success in the ring.
He’ll come with his best, seeking his big chance. I’ve observed his performances, like his bout with Ford which I believe he should’ve won, so I’m expecting him to come on strong. But I’m prepared to meet his intensity head-on.
Some doubted my power or my tenacity, but I’ve proved them wrong with my performances against Ogawa and Rakhimov. My dedication in the gym and the sparring ring speaks volumes, and my extensive amateur record against top-notch fighters showcases my caliber. I’m not just boasting—I truly believe in my abilities.
I’m managing ticket expectations with my supporters, ensuring they can witness the fight, even if they end up in the Irish bar cheering for me. But first, I need to focus on securing the victory this Saturday. I understand he’ll give his all, and I’m fully prepared to do the same.”
Edward Vazquez Voices Confidence Ahead of Bout:
“I’m grateful to Matchroom and Lou DiBella for this chance, and I sense that this is my moment to shine. I’ve consistently faced challenges in my career and have largely come out on top, aside from one contentious defeat (referring to his split decision loss to Raymond Ford in February 2022). I’m here to disrupt expectations and bring my best Texas fighting spirit to the ring.
I actually hope he’s underestimating me. Regardless of his mindset, I want him to come at his best, with no room for excuses after the fight. I’ve often faced fighters I’m expected to lose against, and when I triumph, excuses follow. I don’t want any of that; I’ve prepared thoroughly, so come Saturday night, the result will show who truly is the better man.
My focus is to stay true to myself, heed my coach’s and team’s advice, and adhere to our strategy. Cordina has numerous admirable qualities, but he hasn’t faced anyone quite like me, and he’s about to find out exactly what that means.”
Eddie Hearn Sets the Stage for a Thrilling Night in Monaco:
“Welcome everyone to the scenic Monaco, where we’re thrilled to return alongside our partners at SBM and Casino de Monte Carlo. We’re set for an electrifying evening of World championship boxing, showcased globally on DAZN.
It’s a special homecoming for us, marking four years since we last brought the action to this unique and storied venue for boxing.
Our headline event features Joe Cordina, who I consider the finest super featherweight in the world, as he puts his IBF title on the line against the formidable Edward Vazquez. It’s a pivotal fight for Joe, who has his sights set on unifying the division in 2024.
Additionally, we’re looking forward to seeing Sivenathi Nontshinga defend his IBF title against Adrian Curiel Dominguez. Nontshinga has become one of boxing’s most exhilarating figures after some sensational fights, including memorable ones in his home country of South Africa and a bout that captivated fans in Mexico.
We’re also betting on Souleymane Cissokho to be France’s next World champion. He’s up for a stiff challenge against Isaias Lucero, in what I predict will be one of the night’s highlights.
And let’s not overlook Ramla Ali, who is aiming to bounce back from her loss to Julissa Guzman. Her bout is set to be another stellar addition to an already fantastic lineup of female boxing matches.
Prepare for a night filled with the grandeur typical of Monaco and the intense drama only World championship boxing can provide.”
ALL TIMES ARE LOCAL
19:00 DOORS OPEN
20:00 LIVE ON DAZN
10 x 2 mins vacant WBA International Super-Bantamweight Title
JULISSA ALEJANDRA GUZMAN 121.5 lbs v RAMLA ALI 121.8 lbs
(Ciudad Obregon, Mexico) (Mogadishu, Somalia)
followed by
12 x 3 mins WBC Silver Welterweight Title
SOULEYMANE CISSOKHO 146.6 lbs v ISAIAS LUCERO 147 lbs
(Paris, France) (Tijuana, Mexico)
followed by
12 x 3 mins IBF Light-Flyweight World Title
SIVENATHI NONTSHINGA 107.7 lbs v ADRIAN CURIEL DOMINGUEZ 107.9 lbs
(Reeston, South Africa) (Mexico City, Mexico)
followed by
12 x 3 mins IBF Super-Featherweight World Title
JOE CORDINA 129.9 lbs v EDWARD VAZQUEZ 128.8 lbs
(Cardiff, Wales) (Fort Worth, USA)