Cordina’s proposed Pacquiao fight unlikely to feature on Fury–Joshua undercard

Joe Cordina is unlikely to face Manny Pacquiao on the undercard of the Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua show at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 11 December, with his promoter Eddie Hearn saying he has "lined up a big fight for Cordina in January" amid reports Pacquiao may opt for an early‑2027 opponent.

Cordina, 34, is a former IBF super‑featherweight champion who had wanted the bout in front of a home crowd in Cardiff; Pacquiao, 47, is a 12‑time world champion across eight different weights and has not fought since July 2025. Reports say Pacquiao may have settled on an opponent for early 2027, with an official announcement expected soon, and although Cordina had agreed terms the Filipino has not reciprocated.

The Cardiff undercard is not yet complete and, so far, features only heavyweight support for the all‑British Fury v Joshua main event. The undercard bouts confirmed to date are Deontay Wilder v Jai Opetaia, Da'Mazion Vanhouter v Michael Essomba and Martin Bakole v Solomon Adebayo.

Hearn has criticised the announced support for the card and has repeatedly argued a Welsh fighter should be included. "Not having a two‑time world champion from Wales on the undercard is crazy," Hearn told IFL TV, and he has previously admitted he was unsure whether the final details could be agreed.

With Pacquiao’s participation uncertain, Hearn has name‑checked Abdullah Mason, Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis as alternative opponents for Cordina if the Pacquiao plan cannot be finalised. Hearn’s comments came as he continued to press for a prominent spot for Cordina on a major show.

Turki Alalshikh, co‑founder of Zuffa Boxing and a member of the Saudi Royal Court, has confirmed that the 11 December card is not yet finalised. That statement underlines the organisers have not closed the undercard despite the heavyweight matchups already announced.

An official announcement about Pacquiao’s next opponent is expected soon, while Hearn has said Cordina will have a significant fight lined up in January, providing an immediate alternative if the Cardiff plan does not proceed.