Retired former world champion Enzo Maccarinelli: "I think it's a really hard fight for Cordina, harder than Ogawa. Rakhimov is a really good fighter, he showed against Barrett he has the ability to just keep coming. Joe cannot stand still, it's a hard, hard fight for him, but a fight I am looking forward to. I think Joe wins but in a hard, hard fight."

Former super-featherweight IBF title challenger Zelfa Barrett: "I believe Cordina had the right time to prepare for him and the right tactics. I believe Cordina can beat him."

BBC Radio 5 Live analyst Barry Jones: "Cordina will have his moments, but I think Rakhimov will be a lot better than he was against Barrett as he knows he is in with a better fighter. Cordina will be smart and will stick to the gameplan. If the opportunities don't come I think he will use his boxing IQ. It will be a tough fight, but I think Joe will win by a wide points' decision."

Joe Cordina isn't satisfied with just trying to reclaim the IBF super-featherweight title.

The 31-year-old also has a dream of unifying the division.

There's also action across the pond overnight with Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis meeting in a highly-anticipated 136lb catchweight fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

It's a non-title bout but the pair are both putting undefeated records on the line.

Garcia, 24, has 23 victories on his record with 19 coming inside the distance.

Davis, 28, was last seen when defending his WBA 'regular' lightweight title against Hector Luis Garcia in January to earn a 28th successive victory - 26 have come by stoppage.

Read more here.

Image source, Getty Images

Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov, 28, hails from Tajikistan and is yet to lose in 18 fights - winning 17 and drawing one and he's trained by the legendary American Freddie Roach.

That sole draw came against Joseph Diaz for the vacant IBF super-featherweight title in February 2021.

After bouncing back to beat Sardor Muzaffarov, Rakhimov was due to face Joe Cordina for that same IBF title, however, the Welshman had to withdraw and subsequently vacate due to injury.

A ninth round stoppage victory over Zelfa Barrett in November saw Rakhimov take the belt and he makes his first defence tonight.

Image source, Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov with his IBF title

Promoter Eddie Hearn has talked up the potential of Sandy Ryan taking on WBA, WBC and The Ring welterweight title-holder Jessica McCaskill in a unification bout.

Ryan takes just seven fights to become world champion. Impressive or what?

Bantamweight Nina Hughes did it in five, just saying.

Image source, Reuters

5 Live analyst Steve Bunce: "The crowd aren't going to get to Cordina, he's going to suck it in and breath it in and love every second. My one fear is that Joe needs to stay relatively calm and be fluid and I think he will do that. I agree with Eddie Hearn, I think we might see something close to that amazing knock-out against Kenichi Ogawa."

Former light-middleweight champion Hannah Rankin: "I'm going for a late stoppage from Cordina. I think Rakhimov is strong, but Cordina's the better boxer and could force a stoppage in the later rounds."

Retired multiple-weight world champion Joe Calzaghe: "I think Cordina just has a level he can get to that is above Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov. I think he can win by stoppage in the later rounds, around round nine. Styles make fights and I think Joe is more talented and Rakhimov, although he's tough, the way he fights could suit Joe."

Sandy Ryan is the new WBO welterweight champion after easing to a unanimous decision win over Marie-Pier Houle.

The three judges scored it 99-91 98-92 97-93 in Ryan's favour.

Image source, PA Media

Michael Pearlman
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff International Arena

The size of the scar tells the story.

It runs from Joe Cordina's right wrist to the base of his index finger, following surgery to recover from an injury that effectively cost him his IBF super featherweight title. It is a reminder of a painful few months.

Now the Cardiff fighter is back in the Welsh capital and ready to do it all again as he fights for the title he never lost, taking on undefeated champion Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov.

"I can't worry about my hand in this fight," Cordina said.

"I've been 100% since I've been back in the gym, I've been sparring big boys and I have been letting my hands go."

Read more here.

Image source, Joe Cordina

We've gone the distance.

It's a scrappy final round but Ryan walks away after the bell with her arm raised and hugs her coaches.

It looks like she is set to pick up the WBO welterweight title.

Image source, Reuters

Ryan lands a really well-timed uppercut midway through the round but Houle eats it and comes back for more.

Houle ends up backed into the corner and covering up.

We're heading into the final round.

BBC Radio 5 Live

A reminder you can listen to live radio right now.

Steve Bunce, Barry Jones and Ronald McIntosh are in Cardiff to bring you all the action.

Just press the audio icon above!

Ryan seems determined to get this done inside the distance.

Again, a good variety of shot selection but Houle is tough, she's sticking in there.

Local lad Joe Cordina will have a wealth of support when he steps out in his home town tonight.

Promoter Eddie Hearn feels he's the only current Welsh fighter at world title level... no pressure.

Sunny Edwards
IBf flyweight champion on DAZN

This is savage, Sandy Ryan. Spiteful work here form Sandy. Houle done very well to stay up. Very well.

A slightly better two minutes from Houle as she lands with greater success but Ryan still seems to be able to control the tempo when she wants.

Four big left hands to the body close out the round for Ryan.

Image source, Matchroom Boxing

Ryan goes hunting for the stoppage late in the round. So many heavy shots landing to head and body.

Houle is struggling to defend herself.

Joe Cordina and Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov are getting their hands wrapped backstage and seem in fine spirits.

We've got a glimpse of the scenes backstage, as well as the first look at the IBF super-featherweigh title.

Cordina will be hoping the belt will have swapped dressing rooms at the end of the night...

Image source, Matchroom Boxing

Image source, Matchroom Boxing

Image source, Matchroom Boxing

Image source, Matchroom Boxing

Uppercut, left to the body and a right hook.

Great variety of shots now from Ryan. She's really enjoying herself.

Very little coming back from Houle.

Ryan's jabs are now starting to pay dividends. She looks the quicker of the two and ends the round with some good combination work in the corner.

Houle is struggling with the pace.

Image source, Reuters

Sunny Edwards
IBf flyweight champion on DAZN

Ryan's hit me harder probably than anyone else I've sparred on Team GB. I still remember the right uppercut.