Joe Cordina is in line for a shot at becoming a two-weight world champion after dominating Gabriel Flores Jr in California on the way to a unanimous victory on points.
Wales’ former IBF super-featherweight belt holder Cordina outboxed his American opponent, with judges scoring the contest 117-110 115-112 114-113.
The fight at the Adventist Health Arena in Stockton was billed as a final eliminator for the WBO lightweight world title which was won by Abdullah Mason in an epic encounter with Sam Noakes in November.
Cordina, 34, was docked a point in the sixth round for rabbit punching, but was more in control than the judges’ cards suggested.
“I got the win, but it wasn’t exactly the way I wanted to do it,” said Cordina.
“You can’t come in and nick a fight off me. I kept applying pressure and forced him to the ropes, and he couldn’t keep up with the pace.”