Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

There were moments there where they were acting like they had not been through nine brutal tiring rounds. Cordina is still hurting Rakhimov but he doesn't have a sustained attack left in him. There is nothing in this fight.

The pace is relentless and so is the spirit from both fighters.

That was a tight round. Rakhimov and Cordina both enjoyed some success.

Two rounds to go.

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 live

The engine of Rakhimov is amazing as he continues to work and work. Joe might be being outworked here and that's a worry.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's harder than I imagined it would be. Rakhimov two or three rounds ago I thought he was out of it.

Not much to pick between them for the opening two minutes but a straight right lands hard for Cordina and Rakhimov stumbled for a moment.

The champion hangs over the ropes as he returns to his corner at the end of the round.

This has been a war from the outset!

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 live

I think Rakhimov with that eye thought he had to claw a round back after that seventh and I think he won that round, but he was caught near the end of that round.

Rakhimov is refusing to give up this title without a fight.

He might be struggling to see out of his left eye but he's still coming forward and even managed to land a flurry of punches to back Cordina on to the ropes.

Cordina ends the round with some stiff jabs to re-assert himself.

Image source, Getty Images

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

We can see a bruise [near Rakhimov's left eye] and it's closing. One right hand from Cordina, took a breath, second right hand, took a breath, third right hand. Every one hurt Rakhimov.

Now you move around, pepper him with lefts, pepper him with rights.

Rakhimov's left eye is so swollen, he's struggling to see out it and Cordina is taking advantage as he keeps throwing his right hand.

They might need to take a look at the champion soon.

Image source, Reuters

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 live

He is digging in and still fighting, but Rakhimov is coming on strong. Rakhimov does have a cut though so I don't know how important that will be.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

I thought Cordina lost that round, but he did manage to hurt or get a bit more respect out of Rakhimov. This is worrying, worrying times in front of a crowd that has become a bit subdued.

What a fight this is!

Quality coming from both sides.

Cordina doing great work with body and head by Rakhimov always finds a way to fire back.

Image source, Getty Images

Rakhimov has been cut under his left eye.

It looks like he's stepping on the gas now.

Boxing trainer Dave Coldwell: 'WOW What a round! Cordina came through that rocky moment really well. Rakhimov looks the worse for wear at the end of the round.'

Promoter Eddie Hearn writing on Twitter: 'What a fight this is!'

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 live

Is the energy starting to fade for Cordina?

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

Joe did survive and come back and regain his composure but it was an awful 40-50 seconds. Joe was hurt, he wasn't caught off balance, it was a good shot.

Rakhimov finally comes to the party as Cordina looks to have slowed a little.

A big right from the champion rocks Cordina sees him desperately trying to hold on to buy time.

Cordina regrouped well and appeared to have recovered by the final bell.

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 live

Joe was countering well but for the first time Rakhimov ended the round stronger.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

There were several times when Joe countered beautifully. I think he is hurting Rakhimov all the time, but Joe is breathing.