Wales' former world champion Barry Jones says Joe Cordina 'must be perfect' against Kenichi Ogawa

Following a steady rise up the same weight class rankings where Jones enjoyed his best moment in the ring, Cordina finally gets a world title crack. In Ogawa, the 2016 Olympian is facing a relentless force who will head to Wales in confident manner. Jones believes that the fight being held in the Welsh capital can be advantageous for Cordina.  

“There’s no doubt that the extra noise from the crowd can push Joe on,” said Jones during an exclusive chat with DAZN. “Steve Robinson used to say that fighting in Wales was like having the first two rounds in the bag, but I wouldn’t go that far. The crowd can get Joe through some tough moments and that could be crucial but the best thing about fighting for a world title at home is winning the belt in front of all your friends and family.”  

Opposing Ogawa, Cordina is taking a significant step in both experience and class as he faces a world ruler who became champion in style by overwhelming South Africa’s Azinga Fuzile. Cordina has not put a foot wrong as a professional up to this point with 14 straight wins and although Jones is confident that Wales can get its latest world champion, he also insists that Cordina has to be “perfect” throughout the contest. 

“Joe can’t make a single mistake all night. He must be perfect and he’s capable of doing that. This is world level, and he has to be ready for it. He has to start fast, get Ogawa’s respect early on, and take care of his defence when the shots are coming back. It’s a very hard fight because Ogawa is on you at all times. Joe has to move but he also has to be smart when he does hold his feet. This could be his big moment and if he gets it right then he’ll be world champion.”