Back to basics from Cordina as he lands a solid one-two. A left to the head draws applause form the crowd but it glances off Vazquez's gloves.

But it's a much better round for the champion. Switching attacks from head to body, working the jab and controlling the distance. More of the same needed from the Welshman.

Image source, Matchroom

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

Vazquez won that round, but he also won a bit of confidence. He bounced back to his corner.

Cordina is lighter on his feet and moving better but leans back on the ropes, allowing Vazquez to land with a right hook to the temple.

A left hook from Vazquez sends Cordina's mouthguard flying. He responds with a smart, measured jab and a straight right but Vazquez twice lands with an overhand right. He's found a lot of success with that so far tonight.

A good round for the challenger.

Image source, Matchroom

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

I don't think Joe needs to be this close. It seems like Joe is still trying to prove he's tough.

This contest is a lot closer than many predicted as Vazquez lands a smart jab lunging in from range.

Cordina connects to the body but the higher volume punches are coming from Vazquez. The challenger connects with a powerful right towards the end of the round.

Image source, Matchroom

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

Vazquez told me he has nothing to lose and I like that honesty.

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Vazquez did well to ride that storm, he looked in real trouble.

Vazquez growing in confidence - closing the distance and landing a left hook to the body.

The American starts the round well but Cordina hurts Vazquez with a right uppercut which rocks the challengers head back. Cordina follows it with a stinging left to the body.

Vazquez winces for a moment and recovers well.

Image source, Matchroom

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

This is better from Joe Cordina, using the jab and the front foot to pressurise and keep himself out of trouble.

Vazquez lands flush with a right hand in the opening 30 seconds of the round which springs Cordina into action.

Cordina begins to start working behind the jab and keeping the game Vazquez at range.

The Cardiff-born champion counters with a sensational left hook, perhaps the punch of the fight.

"Land the uppercut, Joe", someone shouts from the crowd.

Image source, Matchroom

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Cordina wants to show his physical strength. You can see the intent to get the stoppage, but he needs to be slightly cautious early on. You know what Joe's like, he's tough.

Jonathan Overend
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator

Vazquez is responding and he may be surprising people with his work here.

Vazquez lunges in with the attack as Cordina once again lands a left to the body.

The challenger lets his hands go, throwing uppercuts as the two men exchange on the inside. But it's Cordina's thudding body shots which are the real eye-catching punches.

A highly entertaining end to the round as both men stand and trade in the middle of the ring. Vazquez lands a right uppercut and a left hook to perhaps edge the round.

Image source, Matchroom

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

Cordina looked so calm and relaxed in that opening round. Cordina just looks that much bigger than Vazquez.

Cordina has a stern, focused look on his face. Vazquez bobs and weaves as Cordina narrowly misses with an overhand right.

The champion connects with a sharp left to the body on the inside. And again - this time from a bit further out.

Both men land in the final seconds, Cordina with the cleaner right hand. Tidy opening round for the Welshman.

The introductions are done. Joe Cordina had just 30 tickets for his friends and family, but they're making themselves heard.

Referee gives his instructions to both men. Here we go.

Image source, Matchroom

Jonathan Overend
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator

The good news is here, we're in such an intimate room, they come out of the kitchen, walk to our right and they are in the ring.

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Joe's a better fighter than I could ever be. What a talent he is. Joe is really skilled, he has power now. He's answered every question and ticked every box and did it when he was there, which is quite unique.

Champion Cordina makes an equally low-key ring entrance. There's no 'Sweet Caroline' being belted out. Just some polite applause from a well-dressed crowd.

Joe Cordina is in confident mood as he prepares for a first world title defence.

"To beat me, you need to be a special fighter and unfortunately for him, I don't think he's got that bit extra that you need," Cordina told BBC Sport Wales.

You can hear more on what the Welshman had to say here.

Image source, Getty Images