Ex-boxing world champ cleared of assault after CCTV showed him ‘punching man to ground in petrol station brawl’

Former two-time IBF super-featherweight world champion Joe Cordina has been cleared of assault by beating at Cardiff Magistrates' Court following an altercation at a Wales petrol station. The incident, captured on CCTV, showed Cordina knocking Jamie O’Brien to the ground outside Pentwyn Service Station in February after O’Brien initiated contact by shoulder-barging the boxer while shouting at him.

Judge Charlotte Murphy ruled there was no case to answer, concluding that Cordina acted in self-defense with a proportionate and controlled response in a split-second situation. O'Brien had previously admitted assault by beating and received a conditional discharge, while Cordina testified that he felt threatened and feared risking his professional boxing license.