Joshua vs Takam: Joe Cordina on inspiration and influence of Anthony Joshua
"He has a lot of knowledge of the game, I always try and pick his brain as much as possible"
Tuesday 24 October 2017 16:10, UK
Joe Cordina points to former Team GB teammate Anthony Joshua as an inspiring figure in his career, a man whose calmness is "a gift in itself".
Live Fight Night
Cordina fights this Saturday night on the undercard to Anthony Joshua's unified heavyweight world title defence against France-based Cameroonian Carlos Takam which is live on Sky Sports Box office.
The 25-year-old Cardiff star has revealed that is it a dream to fight in his home city, at the Principality Stadium, and the Rio Olympian admits that there is no better fighter to try and emulate in his career than Joshua.
Cordina and 'AJ' are more than just former amateur teammates, they are friends, and the two have stayed close since they first had their Team GB initiation eight years ago.
It's just not me that he is inspiring, it's everyone else as well, all the lads that are turning over look up to him - he's leading the charge
"We get on well," 'The Welsh Wizard' began, "I've known 'AJ' for eight years now since we both first had our Team GB initiation in 2010.
"Since then, we all know how well he has progressed and what he's gone on to achieve - it's a huge inspiration for me.
"It's just not me that he is inspiring, it's everyone else as well, all the lads that are turning over look up to him - he's leading the charge."
Cordina fought on Joshua's last undercard at Wembley Stadium and even amongst the magnitude and stature of the event, 'AJ's relaxed persona is something that has stuck with the Cardiff man.
"When I boxed at Wembley, at some point around the madness of the weigh-in I popped in to see 'AJ' and he was just so calm and chilled out.
"It was incredible to see how he was and that's what I want to be. He's one of the calmest, most focused people I know, it's a gift in itself.
"He has so much knowledge of the game as well, whenever I'm with him I always try and pick his brain as much as possible."
Watch AJ v Takam: Welsh Dragons on Tuesday, 10pm, Sky Sports Main Event & Action.
