Robert Garcia backs Joe Cordina as an affordable opponent for Manny Pacquiao on the Tyson Fury–Anthony Joshua undercard, giving Netflix another famous name without the expense of adding a second major headliner.
Cordina would bring Welsh support to the proposed December 11 fight in Cardiff. However, Garcia’s endorsement rests partly on what he would cost, leaving the boxing question of how a former super featherweight champion would handle Pacquiao at welterweight.
“Cordina’s perfect – somebody not [commercially big enough to] cost them tens of millions of dollars,” Garcia told BoxingScene.
Garcia believes Netflix wants Pacquiao’s worldwide audience. Cordina offers a way to secure that attraction while adding a local fighter whose asking price should be more manageable than another established headliner’s.
The matchmaking deserves closer examination. Cordina does his best work when he can measure distance, time opponents coming forward and land accurate counters. Anthony Cacace disrupted that rhythm with sustained pressure, leaving Cordina unable to keep the fight at a comfortable pace.
Pacquiao would present a different version of that difficulty. His sudden entries and combinations from changing angles could force Cordina to react before setting his feet. Being the younger fighter would not necessarily protect Cordina if he struggled to read those attacks.
Whether Pacquiao can still produce them consistently at 47 is another question. Cordina could find opportunities between bursts if Pacquiao needs longer rests, making the older fighter’s conditioning as relevant as his remaining speed.
For Cordina, accepting would be understandable. Beating Pacquiao would bring international attention that few available opponents could offer. A defeat at a higher weight would be easier to explain, although a damaging stoppage could undermine the financial reward.
A catchweight could reduce the size of Cordina’s jump, but no such agreement has been announced. Hearn’s proposal remains unconfirmed, with Cordina’s pending court case also affecting his availability. Garcia has explained why the pairing could fit the budget; Cordina would still have to prove it suits him inside the ring.