Former two-time IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina has been found not guilty of assault following an incident outside a petrol station in Pentwyn, Cardiff, in February.
Cardiff Magistrates' Court District Judge Charlotte Murphy ruled on Tuesday that Cordina's punch was proportionate to the threat he faced, concluding prosecutors had not proved the charge to the criminal standard.
The confrontation involved Cordina, 34, and Jamie O'Brien, 33.
Security footage showed O'Brien pushing Cordina with his shoulder before the boxer punched him hard enough to knock him to the ground.
The men continued arguing and exchanging blows afterward. Video of the incident circulated online, prompting South Wales Police to investigate.
The case also prevented Cordina from entering the United States for a WBO lightweight title fight.
Judge Accepts Self-Defence Claim
Judge Murphy said she accepted that Cordina believed he needed to defend himself. She had earlier dismissed a separate assault charge because there was no case to answer.
"I am further satisfied that a single, measured, controlled punch was proportionate in the circumstances," the district judge said.
Murphy acknowledged that reviewing security footage in slow motion could make the incident appear different from how it unfolded in real time.
She noted Cordina had only a split second to react after being shoved.
"It is very easy to consider the defendant's response by considering the CCTV in slow motion, however the defendant had a split second to consider his response to the shoulder barge," she said.
The judge rejected any suggestion that Cordina had acted out of retaliation, emphasizing that the prosecution had not met the required standard of proof.
"In my view, it was necessary and the force used was proportionate in the circumstances," Murphy said.
"I reject any suggestion that the defendant was retaliating in any way."
Murphy also noted that Cordina had spent years in the public eye and regularly interacted with members of the public.
"For all of those reasons, the crown has not proved to the criminal standard. I therefore find the defendant not guilty and dismiss the charge," she said.
During the trial, Cordina explained that he initially believed O'Brien was a fan who wanted a photograph.
He said he was accustomed to being recognized several times a day and had approached O'Brien while filling his Land Rover.
"I make time for everybody," Cordina told the court.
According to Cordina's testimony, O'Brien responded to his approach by telling him to come closer. Cordina said the subsequent shoulder contact made him feel threatened.
Cordina also told the court he was concerned because O'Brien had kept his hands in his pockets during the confrontation.
"He had his hands in his pockets, I don't know what people carry on them these days," Cordina said.
Cordina told the court that a criminal conviction could put his boxing license at risk.
He described the possibility of losing his license as almost certain and said that concern had a significant effect on his everyday conduct.
Cordina Eyes Return to the Ring
After the verdict, Cordina said on social media that the case had been a difficult period for him and those close to him.
He thanked his lawyer, family, friends and supporters who had remained by his side.
"Your loyalty and support have meant a great deal to me," Cordina said in his statement.
He also expressed his intention to return his attention to training and competition after the legal proceedings ended.
"Boxing has been my life for as long as I can remember, and I'm looking forward to putting all my energy into training, preparing for my next fight and doing what I love," Cordina said.
His lawyer, Nadeem Majid, said Cordina had consistently maintained his innocence throughout the case.
Majid also expressed hope that the boxer would appear on the undercard of the December 11 fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in Cardiff.
"Today's verdict is a huge relief for Joe and everybody close to him. He's always maintained his innocence throughout," Majid said.
Majid said Cordina wanted to concentrate on his family and boxing following the acquittal, with a potential December appearance remaining a prospect rather than a confirmed booking.
"On behalf of Joe I'd like to thank his family, friends, loyal fans, and legal team for their unwavering support.
Joe would now like to continue to concentrate on his family and boxing, and we'd all like to see him on the bill in December," Majid said.
