Joe Cordina in play for Manny Pacquiao clash on Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury undercard

BIRMINGHAM – Eddie Hearn has put forward a host of names to face Manny Pacquiao on the Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua undercard at Cardiff, Wales’ Principality Stadium.

The most surprising of the bunch is former 130lbs world titleholder and Welshman Joe Cordina. The contest would pit the 34-year-old Cordina, who has been competing at lightweight in recent bouts, against a Hall of Famer in Pacquiao in his home city.

It had been reported by BoxingScene’s Lance Pugmire that the now 47-year-old Pacquiao was in talks to face WBO 140lbs champion Shakur Stevenson, however, event organizers Sela then had their sights set on retired champions Amir Khan and Danny Garcia.

Hearn, the longtime promoter of Joshua, and as announced today one of the three promoters of Fury-Joshua, spoke to BoxingScene and others about the situation with Pacquiao featuring on the undercard.

“It’s my understanding there’s some kind of agreement between Manny Pacquiao and Sela,” Hearn said. “Not for a Shakur Stevenson fight. I mean, Dana White said that’s not happening.”

Boxing News’ Danny Gilfillan then asked if there was any need for a legend like Pacquiao to feature on the undercard with the fight sold on the main event alone.

“There is if he fights Joe Cordina,” Hearn replied.

There were rumors that Cordina could face WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason on the card — a fight that was scrapped in July due to Cordina being denied a visa to the US. Hearn also revealed that contest could still happen and that he had also suggested other Matchroom fighters to face Pacquiao.

“We’ve put forward to Sela, Joe Cordina against Abdullah Mason,” he said. “I also said to Sela last night, if you need an opponent for Manny Pacquiao, we’ve got Jack Catterall, Conor Walker, Lewis Crocker and Joe Cordina.”

The contest would take place at 147lbs and Cordina would be the only fighter from that list who is not currently competing at welterweight.

“I’ve not even spoke to Joe about moving to 147lbs,” said Hearn. “I’ll tell you what, I know 140lbs would be fine for Joe. But dare I say Manny Pacquiao is not a massive welterweight? I don’t know.

“But I want Joe on the card because he’s a two-time world champion from Wales. And if he fights Abdullah Mason or Manny Pacquiao, that’s a great fight. Or Sam Noakes for a vacant title.”