Joe Cordina missed out on the December 11 Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua undercard in Cardiff after promoters chose an American heavyweight prospect instead.
Cardiff Undercard Decisions
Eddie Hearn said that terms had already been agreed for Cordina to face 47-year-old Manny Pacquiao at the Principality Stadium, Boxing News 24 reported. Hearn said he felt frustration after 21-year-old heavyweight Da’Mazion Vanhouter secured a spot on the Netflix broadcast ahead of Cordina.
Dana White has praised Vanhouter as an emerging American heavyweight talent, pointing to his activity and knockout power after securing four wins in 2026 to push his unblemished record to 14 victories with 11 knockouts. Vanhouter meets Michael Essomba, who brings an 11-2 record with 10 knockouts primarily earned fighting out of Belgium.
This has always been the fight that makes the most sense for Manny weeks before his 48th birthday. Winnable fight against a fringe-top 10 welterweight. And a big opportunity for Donovan https://t.co/TngwRBQKMe
Vanhouter has drawn attention for his compact style and background growing into the heavyweight division after starting his career at middleweight. Questions remain regarding his durability and readiness after logging just 27 professional rounds.
“What about Joe Cordina?” “What about a two-time world champion from Wales?” Hearn said.
Turki Alalshikh confirmed that the December 11 card remains unfinalized, leaving the final lineup subject to change. Vanhouter enters the event with a 14-0 record and 11 knockouts, offering the United States broadcast a domestic heavyweight prospect.
Pacquiao Opponent Talks
Pacquiao has not fought since July 2025, when he fought to a draw against Mario Barrios in a WBC welterweight title fight, Seconds Out reported. BBC Sport said that while Cordina accepted terms for the bout, the Filipino icon did not reciprocate.
Reports indicate that Pacquiao may instead settle on an opponent for an appearance in early 2027, with an official announcement anticipated soon. Other potential opponents previously linked to the legend include Shakur Stevenson, Abdullah Mason, and Keyshawn Davis.
Irish welterweight Paddy Donovan also emerged as a potential opponent for Pacquiao, revealing that his team entered discussions regarding the December date. Seconds Out reported that Donovan last competed in September by defeating Tyrone McKenna via fourth-round stoppage. Donovan’s manager, Keith Sullivan, reached out to open talks for the potential matchup.
“Manny Pacquiao is looking for an active opponent. My manager, Keith Sullivan, has reached out to his team,” Donovan told Total Boxing with Tris Dixon, according to Bloody Elbow.
“They’ve been in talks about making the fight happen. Look, it’s a long shot. It’d be great. Manny Pacquiao’s a phenomenal fighter, a legend of the sport, and it’d be a dream come true to fight Manny,” Donovan added.
Previous Title Reigns
Seconds Out reported that Cordina held the IBF super-featherweight title until May 2024, when he lost to Anthony Cacace. The 34-year-old secured two unanimous decision victories across two fights in 2025.
Seconds Out reported that Tony Bellew backed Cordina’s prospects should a matchup against Pacquiao materialize.
“I think Joe Cordina would knock Manny Pacquiao out. This version of Manny. Joe Cordina is a good fighter,” Bellew told Fight Your Corner.
Worth a look
