New year, new beginnings!

The world of boxing witnessed some of the scintillating actions inside the ring throughout the calendar year of 2017, which is set to escalate to a higher level in 2018 with some potential exciting fights in the offing.

Fans as well as experts have not shied away from speculating what the upcoming year will offer and they have also predicted bigger and better things for young and talented fighters in each division.

British professional boxer Tony Bellew has claimed that compatriot Joe Cordina will be the one of watch out for in 2018, according to his assumptions.

Cordina has been exceptional in the super featherweight division, winning all of his six fights till date since making his debut last April at the Echo Arena in Liverpool against Jose Aguilar.

Among these, the Wales-born fighter has managed to register five KO wins to his name, meaning an impressive knockout ratio of over 80%.

Speaking to Sky Sports regarding the potential of the 26-year-old, Bellew said: “I'm picking Joe Cordina, because he's had the right number of fights and should be really pushed on.

“Plus, he has that amateur experience and pedigree behind him to really stay there once he gets to a higher level.”

The Bomber believes Cordina is at the ideal juncture to elevate to higher levels and aim for more accolades in the year ahead.

He added: “I tip Cordina for massive things. I think anybody on the Team GB squad and a former World Series of Boxing fighter should be pushed very, very fast.”

Winning a gold medal at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships, becoming the only British boxer to achieve the feat in the event, alongside representing Great Britain in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the orthodox fighter must continue from where he left off in 2017.

Bellew, himself, is set to face former heavyweight champion David Haye in May this term for a rematch of last year, having seen the earlier date of December 17 rescheduled due to The Hayemaker sustaining injury during training.