Joe Cordina has agreed to terms to fight Manny Pacquiao, putting the Welshman in position for a major payday if the proposed contest goes ahead.

The bout is being discussed for the December 11 Fury–Joshua card, although Eddie Hearn’s latest update confirms only that Cordina’s side has accepted the terms. He is still waiting to find out whether the fight will happen.

“We’ve agreed terms to fight Manny Pacquiao, but we don’t know if that’s happening,” Hearn told reporters. “From our side, we’ve agreed to do it.”

That leaves Cordina waiting on a fight that would bring him attention far beyond his usual audience. Pacquiao’s name would make this one of the most watched nights of his career, even with the Filipino well past his best years.

Cordina has every reason to take the opportunity. A fight against Pacquiao offers a different financial ceiling from the conventional route through the lightweight division. Adding it to Fury–Joshua would also give the former super featherweight champion a huge platform in front of a British audience.

The boxing question is what each man would bring at the agreed weight. Hearn did not reveal that detail, and it would have a considerable effect on the matchup. Cordina’s sharp punching and timing would be tested differently against a naturally smaller opponent than against someone accustomed to competing above his weight.

Pacquiao’s age would inevitably dominate the buildup. The name still sells, but the fighter taking the punches must perform on the night. Cordina would need to approach him as an opponent to beat, rather than let the occasion become a celebration of the former champion’s career.

Agreeing terms removes one obstacle from Cordina’s side. It also shows that his team sees enough reward in the proposed fight to accept it.

The next step is getting Pacquiao’s participation settled, and the contest announced. Cordina has accepted his end of the deal; Hearn’s wording makes clear that he cannot yet promise the fight.

Fabio Wardley fell short in an attempt to avenge his defeat to Daniel Dubois and reclaim the WBO heavyweight world title last weekend.

Now, there are calls for the Ipswich fan-favourite to retire, with one former heavyweight ruler believing that, if he doesn’t, it will ‘not be good for his health’.

Wardley was elevated to full WBO heavyweight world champion in late 2025 and accepted a daring first defence of the belt against Dubois.

However, despite flooring ‘Triple D’ twice in the opening three rounds, Wardley lost his belt to the Londoner via technical knockout in round 11, following a fight of the year candidate.

However, in their rematch last Saturday, the difference in levels became far more evident as Dubois brutally dismissed any chance of the upset by running through Wardley inside two rounds.

Speaking to talkSPORTformer cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion David Haye argued that Wardley’s lack of boxing experience was evident, claiming the 31-year-old had “missed too many lessons”.

“Wardley made no adjustments in regards to the fight that he was in and he is going to really struggle staying at this level.

“I really like Wardley, he has amazing ability in regards to toughness, you can’t touch his toughness. But, the unfortunate part is that he has missed too many lessons earlier on in his career. The feet, the balance, he is so far on his front leg.”

Haye also addressed whether Wardley should retire, insisting that the former world champion remains capable of putting on ‘great fights’, while warning that they ‘will not be good for his health’.

“He could continue and we’d have some great fights, but it is not going to be good for his health.”

Dubois is expected to return to action as soon as February, whilst many are advising Wardley to have a long lay-off, if he decides to ignore the opinions of other fighters and remain in the sport.

Arnold Barboza Jr. dropped word on social media that a massive welterweight title opportunity just landed in his lap on short notice. While he confirmed that 147 pounds is locked in with a belt on the line, he kept the identity of his opponent quiet for now.

Speculation immediately involved Devin Haney after Haney’s anticipated matchup with Shakur Stevenson fell apart. Barboza’s remarks point to a fast-developing opening, even if ink has not officially met paper yet.

“I got some news today. It’s a blessing. I don’t know how real it is, but it sounds pretty real. It might be a big fight sooner than expected,” Barboza said on social media. “I’ll be stepping in at the last minute on some s***, but I don’t know where it’s going to be at, but it’s soon.”

The tight calendar creates the biggest hurdle. Barboza appears fully ready to sign before even knowing the host city, but world championship bouts offer zero room for entering camp cold. Securing an unexpected offer represents one hurdle; having the necessary weeks to dial in a precise tactical blueprint presents an entirely separate challenge.

If Haney ends up standing across the ring, Barboza faces an elite defensive technician. Taking on Haney demands an answer for his distance control, lead hand control, and inside tie ups. Simply tracking him across the canvas without cutting the ring effectively will turn the contest into a frustrating chase.

“A lot sooner than expected. Not no next year fight. A couple of weeks soon. Yeah, I’m fighting at 147. Yeah, it’ll be for a belt. We got to go for legacy,” Barboza said.

Teofimo Lopez also figures heavily into Barboza’s long-range calculations. Barboza sees capturing a 147-pound crown as his quickest ticket to securing a second chance against Lopez after coming up short in their junior welterweight clash.

“It’s not a rematch with Teo. Not yet. I got to win this belt to rematch him,” Barboza admitted.

Holding a world title strap provides massive leverage at the negotiating table. The immediate task requires transforming the sudden opening into an executed contract, setting up a targeted training block, and verifying the sanctioning body timeline.