Welsh boxer and former world champion Joe Cordina pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault by beating at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on Tuesday morning. The charges relate to an alleged incident outside Pentwyn service station on Pentwyn Road on February 27, 2026.
Cordina, 34, confirmed his name, date of birth and address during the hearing. He pleaded not guilty to assaulting Jamie O'Brien. District Judge Charlotte Murphy listed the case for a one-day trial on October 13.
Second Defendant
Jamie O'Brien, 32, from Pentwyn, has also been charged with assault by beating of Cordina. He appeared alongside the former world champion but did not enter a plea. His case was adjourned until August 26 to consider whether it can be dealt with outside court.
Visa Issues Halt Title Fight
Cordina had been scheduled to fight Abdullah Mason for the WBO lightweight title in Cleveland on July 4 but withdrew due to visa problems. On Instagram, he said: "Just to let everyone know that I'm not going to fight. It's not injuries, I've seen a lot of [reports] saying injuries, but there's no injuries."
"I've had a great camp. I was meant to fly over this week. A couple of days back I went to the US Embassy in London and they basically denied me a visa."
"I tried to explain certain things and I had all the paperwork to back it up and they wasn't having it. They basically told me, 'you ain't getting in'. It's out of my hands and I'm absolutely gutted to become a three-time, two-weight world champion, plus fight for a world title in America was a goal of mine. Feel bad for Abdullah, but obviously myself as well."
