Cacace upsets Cordina to claim IBF world title

Super-featherweight Anthony Cacace pulled off a huge shock in Saudi Arabia by stopping Joe Cordina in the eighth round to win the IBF world title.

The Belfast underdog delivered a brutal performance, dropping the Welshman in the third as Cordina struggled.

Cacace, 35, continued to dominate the rounds with power punches before the referee halted the contest following a flurry of shots.

The 32-year-old Cordina suffered a first defeat in his 18th pro fight as Northern Irishman Cacace claimed a deserved maiden world title in his 23rd outing.

"I am in shock, no-one gave me a chance to do this,” said an emotional Cacace.

"Joe is a hell of a competitor, an Olympian and a two-time world champion. I have nothing but respect for him and I want to run it back."

A devastated Cordina left the ring without giving a post-fight interview.

On the undercard of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk's undisputed heavyweight showdown in Riyadh, 19-year-old British heavyweight hope Moses Itauma knocked out Ilja Mezencev for a stunning second-round success. Fellow Briton Mark Chamberlain was also impressive as he stopped Joshua Wahab in the first round of their lightweight contest.