It wasn’t the prettiest of wins for the former IBF 130-lb Cordina, as he took a lot of shots and struggled at times due to the volume punching style of Flores.
Cordina was fortunate that he wasn’t a big puncher because the chances he’d have ended up getting taken out like he was in his eighth-round knockout loss to Anthony Cacace in May 2024.
Promoter Eddie Hearn suggests that his fighter Cordina can fight Mason in his hometown of Cleveland in April 2026. “Him fighting in Cleveland in April. But why not fight Joe in April?”
Hearn adds that it would be “a great fight” and “a hell of a fight.”
It’s a fight that would give Cordina the chance to become a two-division world champion if he’s victorious against Mason. Mostly, though, it’s pretty much the only chance Cordina has of getting a quick title shot. He’s ranked #10 WBC, and not at all by the IBF and WBA.
With the ranking with the WBC, it could take years for Cordina to get moved up high enough to get in a position to challenge for the title. He doesn’t have time on his side due to his advanced age.
Mason, 21, recently beat Sam Noakes by a 12-round unanimous decision in a war on November 22, 2025, in Riyadh. Unlike Abdullah’s previous nine fights, this one was a tough one in which he was forced to go toe-to-toe with the heavy-handed Noakes.
In the championship rounds, Mason got on his bike and boxed to save himself from absorbing any more punishment. Noakes wasnt going anywhere, and his punches were powerful. Mason got the better of the action, but Noakes was making him pay for everything he threw. It was one of those types of fights where the better fighter still had to take punishment.
Ken Woods has been a senior writer at Boxing News 24 since 2013, covering the sport from every angle. With years of ringside reporting, he delivers fight news, results, and analysis that cut through the noise. Ken’s work consistently spotlights champions, contenders, and rising prospects, giving fans a sharp, knowledgeable view of the global boxing scene. His reporting blends on-the-ground event coverage with clear technical insight, making him one of the most reliable voices in modern boxing media.