April 22 in Cardiff, IBF world featherweight champion Shavkatjon Rakhimov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) will finally face Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs).
The duel was originally supposed to take place in November, but the physical ailment of the British became an obstacle. In June, Cordina won the International Boxing Federation belt by defeating Kenichi Ogawa ahead of schedule.
When the Welshman failed to defend his belt against Rakhimov, who was the official contender, he had to leave the title vacant. Meanwhile, Rakhimov won against Zelfa Barrett, and in the first defense he will cross gloves with the former title holder.
