Eddie Hearn wants Joe Cordina on the Fury–Joshua undercard against Manny Pacquiao or Abdullah Mason, but either pairing raises a question about what Cordina adds to the show. At 34, the Welshman would offer local representation without necessarily bringing the wider audience the undercard needs.
Cordina’s Welsh connection gives Hearn a reason to push for his inclusion. That does not automatically translate into a substantial following throughout Britain, however, and he has yet to establish himself as a major attraction in the United States. Against Pacquiao, the Filipino would supply most of the name recognition.
“I want Joe on the card because he’s a two-time world champion from Wales,” Hearn told reporters.
“And if he fights Abdullah Mason or Manny Pacquiao, that’s a great fight. … We’ve put forward to Sela Joe Cordina against Abdullah Mason. … I’ve not even spoke to Joe about moving to 147. I know 140 would be fine for Joe, but dare I say, Manny’s not a massive welterweight.”
The Mason proposal has a clearer sporting rationale. Cordina would stay at lightweight and bring experience against a younger opponent. It could produce an interesting fight, although that is different from giving casual viewers another reason to watch the event.
Pacquiao would provide that recognition himself. Cordina’s inclusion would be harder to sell on competitive grounds because moving from 135 to 147 requires a two-division jump. Hearn’s admission that he hasn’t discussed it with Cordina shows how preliminary that suggestion remains.
For an undercard trying to attract American viewers, Cordina looks more like a supporting participant than an additional draw. His Welsh roots could help the atmosphere in Cardiff, but the promoters would still need to explain what makes his particular matchup worth watching.
Hearn has proposed the Mason fight and floated Pacquiao as another possibility. Neither pairing is confirmed, and Cordina’s inclusion alone would do little to strengthen the card’s international appeal.