Former world champion boxer Joe Cordina has been charged with assault following an incident at a petrol station in Cardiff. The charge stems from an altercation that occurred on June 21 at a BP garage on Cowbridge Road West in the Ely area of the city.
Details of the Incident
South Wales Police confirmed that Cordina, 32, was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The incident is alleged to have taken place at approximately 9:30 PM. A man in his 20s sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics but did not require hospitalisation.
Cordina, who hails from Cardiff, is scheduled to appear before Cardiff Magistrates' Court on July 19. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment upon conviction.
Boxing Career Context
Cordina is a former unified super-featherweight world champion, having held the IBF and WBA titles. He turned professional in 2017 after a successful amateur career that included representing Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics. His most recent fight was a loss to Anthony Cacace in May 2024, which cost him his world titles.
According to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, Cordina had been training for a potential comeback fight later this year. The assault charge now casts doubt on his immediate boxing future.
Legal Proceedings
South Wales Police stated: “A 32-year-old man from Cardiff has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident at a petrol station on Cowbridge Road West on June 21. He has been released on bail to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on July 19.”
Cordina has not yet entered a plea. His legal team has not commented publicly on the charge.
Reaction and Impact
The news has sent shockwaves through the British boxing community. Cordina, known for his disciplined lifestyle, had no previous criminal record. The incident is a stark contrast to his public persona as a dedicated athlete and family man.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “We are aware of the situation and are gathering more information. Joe has always been a model professional, and we will support him through this process. However, boxing will take a back seat while these legal matters are resolved.”
If convicted, Cordina faces a potential prison sentence, which would effectively end his boxing career at the age of 32.
