Welsh champion Joe Cordina has lost his scheduled WBO lightweight title bout against Abdullah Mason after the U.S. embassy in London refused his visa. The fight, set for July 4 in Cleveland, represented Cordina’s chance to become a three‑time, two‑weight world champion. He posted on social media that officials “weren’t having it” despite his paperwork and expressed disappointment for his fans and team.

Both fighters were eager; Mason was making his first defence after a dramatic November win over Sam Noakes. Cordina, who reclaimed the vacant WBO global lightweight belt in 2025 and previously held IBF titles, had been on a comeback trail following a 2024 loss to Anthony Cacace. He insisted no injury prompted the cancellation. The cancellation also impacts his earnings and ranking prospects significantly.

The bout’s removal reshapes the lightweight division schedule, leaving Mason without an opponent and forcing promoters to seek a replacement quickly. Cordina’s visa setback also stalls his bid for a historic second‑weight championship, keeping him out of the U.S. market for now. The WBO will likely reschedule the title fight later this year.