Joshua vs Parker: Joe Cordina to face Hakim Ben Ali on undercard

Welsh lightweight Joe Cordina will fight Belgian Hakim Ben Ali on the Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker undercard following the withdrawal of Andy Townend.

Cordina will still fight for the vacant WBA international title at Principality Stadium.

The 26-year-old puncher overcame Spain’s Lesther Cantillano on the undercard of Joshua’s world title win against Carlos Takam in October 2017 – making the Ben Ali fight the Welshman’s second bout at his hometown venue.

Cardiff-born Cordina possesses some great amateur pedigree, having won a gold medal at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships.

The 5ft 9in boxer also represented Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and won bronze in 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow.