Welsh boxing star Joe Cordina has been charged with assault and threatening a person with an offensive weapon following an alleged incident outside a Cardiff petrol station in February. The 34-year-old former super-featherweight world champion is set to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on July 7.
South Wales Police confirmed that Cordina, from Pontprennau, is charged with assault and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place. A second man, Jamie O'Brien, 32, from Pentwyn, has been charged with assault and is due in court on July 28. The charges stem from an incident outside Pentwyn Service Station on Pentwyn Road on February 27, 2026.
Footage of the confrontation circulated widely on social media at the time, showing shouting and a man falling to the ground. A police spokesperson stated: 'Two men have been charged in connection with an incident outside Pentwyn Service Station, Pentwyn Road, Cardiff, on February 27, 2026.'
Visa denial derails title fight
The legal development comes after Cordina was forced to withdraw from a scheduled WBO lightweight title bout against Abdullah Mason in Cleveland on July 4. He was refused a visa to enter the United States, which he announced on Instagram: '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.'
Cordina explained: '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.'' He added: '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.'
Cordina's career and next steps
Cordina previously held the IBF super-featherweight title but lost it when he was knocked out in the eighth round by Anthony Cacace two years ago. He then moved up to lightweight (135lb), securing back-to-back wins over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz and Gabriel Flores Jr. According to Ring Magazine, Mason is now expected to fight Albert Bell on July 4 instead.
The Welsh boxer's legal issues and visa problems cast uncertainty over his immediate future in the sport. He remains a prominent figure in British boxing, but the assault charge and court date could impact his career trajectory.
