Monte-Carlo was indeed the centre of world boxing on Saturday night with four important fights.
In the headline event, Joe Cordina successfully defended his IBF super-featherweight title with a hard-fought majority decision victory against Edward Vazquez, although several reports called into question the Welshman’s win.
The BBC reported that despite being an underdog, American Vazquez proved a worthy challenger as he forced Cordina into one of the tougher tests of his professional career, never taking a backward step.
The judges scored the contest 114-114, 116-112, 116-112 in Cordina’s favour, but Vazquez’s corner reacted angrily to the defeat, trading insults with Cordina’s team – and Cordina admitted he had been far from his best.
“He was a tricky, clever fighter but he lost the fight, end of story,” Cordina said.
“Going into the 10th, my corner told me it was probably level. I didn’t box my best but I think I did enough to get the decision.
“That is why we have judges at ringside. He [Vazquez] couldn’t beat me on my worst night. He’s a sore loser and now he’s gone off to have a little cry.”
FOR REPORTS ON THIS AND OTHER BOUTS: https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing
PHOTO: Cordina (left) and Vazquez at the end of their bout Courtesy Matchpoint
