The fight brings together two promotional circuits. Mason is with Top Rank, which recently secured a broadcast deal with DAZN. Cordina has long been linked to Matchroom Boxing, also aligned with DAZN, which helped smooth talks for the bout.
Cordina (34) has been rebuilding since losing his IBF belt to Anthony Cacace in May 2024. He has since moved up to lightweight and has recorded wins over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz and Gabriel Flores Jr., working with trainer Gary Lockett.
The WBO ranking of Joe Cordina at #1 has certainly caused criticism among fans looking at the lightweight landscape. The murderers Cordina are currently sitting on top; Alan Chaves and William Zepeda are probably the most avoided fighters in the division right now.
Looking at the mechanics of this, it feels like a classic mix of name recognition and strategic business.
Cordina’s recent win over Gabriel Flores Jr. on December 12, 2025 was for the WBO International lightweight title. In the world of sanctioning bodies, winning one of their regional or international belts is a fast track to a top position, regardless of whether the opponent was a world class threat.
With Top Rank moving to DAZN, it makes sense for all parties involved to have a recognizable name for Abdullah Mason’s homecoming. Cordina has the British market and a championship resume that looks good on a poster, even if his recent activity at 135 pounds is thin.
The Argentinian Chaves is currently #2 and Zepeda is at #3. Both are younger, arguably fresher, and far more dangerous in terms of pure punching power at this weight.
It feels to some fans as if Cordina’s ranking and title shot is more of a business move designed to facilitate a specific event. By ranking Cordina #1, the WBO makes Mason Vs. Cordina a mandatory level fight, protecting Mason from a high-risk/low-reward monster like Zepeda or Chaves in his very first defense.
It gives Mason a chance to look like a superstar in Cleveland against a former world champion, while giving Cordina a massive payday and a shortcut back to the top. If Cordina is caught early by a young phenom like Mason, the WBO could simply move on to the next challenger, having traded their sanctioning fees for a big July 4 event.
Conversations for Mason vs. Cordina has been underway since early April and is now almost finished for the Independence Day card.
Sam Noakes, who beat Mason for the title, returned to action on Sunday, stopping Benito Sanchez Garcia inside two rounds.
