Cordina was able to send Rakhimov to the floor in the second round, but in the fifth round Rakhimov was able to shake Cordina. In the sixth round, a serious cut opened above Rakhimov's left eye, which Cordina tried to use by striking with his right.
As a result of twelve rounds, the judges scored 116-111 for Rakhimov and 115-112, 114-113 for Cordina.