Joe Cordina reveals world title target after turning professional with Matchroom Boxing

Joe Cordina is targeting a world title fight within three years after turning professional with Matchroom Boxing.

The 25-year-old Welshman has linked up with Essex-based trainer Tony Sims and will begin life in the paid ranks at super-featherweight.

A talented amateur, Cordina competed at last summer's Rio Olympic Games after winning gold at the 2015 European Championships, and believes his time with Team GB will prepare him for the demands of a professional career.

"After the games I knew that I was going to turn pro and I'm itching to get going," said Cordina, who will soon learn details of his debut.

"I want my name up in lights in Las Vegas, that's the dream. There's pressure there but I don't feel it from what people think, it comes from myself. That works for me, if I put pressure on myself it makes me perform.

"We talk to psychologists at Team GB and they teach you to turn pressure into a positive and that's what I do. Sometimes people say that you shouldn't put pressure on yourself, but I use it to get out there and do the business."

Anthony Joshua and Kal Yafai have both claimed world titles after making a successful transition from Team GB and Cordina hopes to take a similar route as a professional.

"It's brilliant to be working with Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports," he said. "Anthony Joshua and Kal Yafai turned over with Eddie Hearn and became world champions and I believe that I can follow that same path to the top.

I want people to be talking about me and raving about my performances, because in three years' time I want to be fighting for a world title.

"I just want to put on a good show against anyone put in front of me, excite the fans and build up a profile. I want people to be talking about me and raving about my performances, because in three years' time I want to be fighting for a world title."

World champions Nathan Cleverly and Lee Selby have continued the rich history of boxing success in Wales and Cordina wants to inspire new fans in his home city.

"People in Wales have been asking when I'm going to turn pro for a while now as they want to follow my progression," said Cordina.

"Lee Selby has done great things, won a world title. Nathan Cleverly is a world champion again, but I think that people in Cardiff are waiting for someone to draw everybody in, and I feel I can be the man to do that."

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said: "I've had my eye on Joe Cordina for some time - I believe he is an exceptional talent.

"I feel there is real potential for a star to flourish in Welsh boxing but the goal is to make him a global star as well. Fans are really going to enjoy his style and watching his career unfold on Sky Sports."