EXCLUSIVE — Conor Benn has described the IBF’s decision to strip Joe Cordina of his world title as “a p*ss-take”.
Cordina produced a sensational knockout victory over Kenichi Ogawa in Cardiff this summer to claim the IBF super-featherweight crown, with his second-round victory extending his pro record to 15-0 and capping off a five-year journey in the pro game.
Benn had attended the fight in the Welsh capital to support his friend and fellow student of trainer Tony Sims.
The dream night for the hometown hero was then set to lead to a mandatory defence against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov, on the undercard of the upcoming Dimitry Bivol vs. Zurdo Ramirez showdown in Abu Dhabi next month.
However, on Tuesday morning the Welshman was forced to pull out of the bout with a hand injury for which he needed surgery – with the governing body’s response being to strip Cordina of his belt.
The 30-year-old took to social media to say he was “absolutely gutted” and felt like he’d “been robbed”.
WATCH ON DAZN: Eubank Jr. vs. Benn
Notably, IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. was recently allowed to keep hold of his title without a defence for a 15-month period during which he was charged with a DWI, and followed that with a second 15-month layoff. Spence is now a further seven months and counting from his last fight.
Meanwhile, Leo Santa Cruz is mere weeks away from the third anniversary of last defending his WBA (Super) featherweight title.
Ahead of his blockbuster clash with Chris Eubank Jr. this weekend, Benn reflected on the pain of Cordina. He told The Sporting News: “It’s a p*ss-take from the IBF, that’s what it is.
“It’s a p*ss-take. Leo Santa Cruz had his belt for how long? What rubbish are the IBF doing? At least Joe Cordina can say he’s a two-time world champion. You’ve got to take the positives.
“If I was Joe, I would be livid. You’ve just won the world title in unbelievable fashion. Our world champion is injured, and that’s it, you’re getting stripped. It’s a liberty.”
WATCH ON DAZN: Eubank Jr. vs. Benn
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