A domestic showdown with Noakes would eliminate those travel complications, but it also presents a difficult challenge for the former IBF super featherweight champion.
Cordina, 34, has fought just twice since suffering an eighth-round knockout loss to Anthony Cacace in May 2024. He returned with victories over Gabriel Flores Jr. and Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz, but neither performance suggested he was back at his best. Flores, in particular, gave Cordina a far tougher fight than many expected.
Before the Mason bout was discussed, Cordina had also been linked to a fight against Shakur Stevenson before those plans fell through.
Noakes (17-1, 15 KOs) is six years younger and coming off a career-defining effort despite losing a unanimous decision to Abdullah Mason for the vacant WBO lightweight title last November. Although defeated on the scorecards, Noakes won widespread praise from fans for forcing Mason into a boxing match rather than allowing the heavy-handed American to dictate exchanges. Mason spent long stretches circling the ring instead of standing and trading, a reflection of the pressure Noakes applied throughout the 12-round contest.
The 28-year-old returned to winning ways in May, stopping veteran Benito Sanchez Garcia in two rounds.
The proposed matchup for Cordina carries significant risk. Another defeat would leave the former world champion with little room to rebuild, while a victory over Noakes would immediately re-establish him as a relevant contender at lightweight.
As reported on @InsideRingShow, a Joe Cordina-Sam Noakes matchup is possible for later this year in the discussed Matchroom-Queensberry 7 v 7. Cordina’s legal issues prevented him from entering the U.S. to fight Abdullah Mason this past Saturday.
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) July 6, 2026
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