Darren Corbett calls out Reid and Magee.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 26 Jul 2004, 14:44

I'll believe it when I see it.

Corbett knuckles down for his big challenge

Still dreaming, still searching for some glory, Darren Corbett held court yesterday.

The past four years of his life has seen him record a tale of misfortune. Fights called off, fall-outs with managers on both sides of the Atlantic, freak injuries . . . now Corbett hopes that he finally gets a break when he meets Kiev's Konstanin 'Knuckle Duster' Shvets on September 4 at the Ulster Hall.

"If I win then I go on to bigger and better things. If I lose, where do I go?" admitted the 32-year-old Belfast man, of whom former manager Barry Hearn once said, "People may say this and that about him but one thing about Darren he's never dull. He's a character".

Corbett was in full flow yesterday, managing to call out both Robin Reid and Brian Magee, assuming that all goes to plan against Mr Shvets, whose record suggests that he has the ability to end the Corbett rollercoaster.

"Robin Reid is well past his best. I'd love a shot at him or a fight with Brian Magee," said Corbett.

He confessed that he has ballooned up in between contests, leaving coach Paul McCullough to become more than a little frustrated.

"We have never seen the best of Darren Corbett. He knows that he has to do," said McCullough.

"One thing is sure he will have a great following. He has always been a draw because the public know that he's entertaining."

So the Corbett bandwagon is creaking into action again. A big performance is required, one to end any lingering doubts about his desire and dedication.

Should that not happen on September 4 then the dreaming will surely have to stop, but Corbett is talking as confidently as ever.

"It's about getting my head right. I've been let down so many times and then I lost interest. Now I just have to listen to Paul (McCullough) and I'll be ready," he said.

Tickets: £20, £25, £50 ringside.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 26 Jul 2004, 15:38

I wouldn't mind Corbett-Magee as it has some local spice but not Corbett-Reid, Robin is a shadow of his former self. In fact i wish he would retire, and i'm a fan too

bennie · Post by **bennie** » 26 Jul 2004, 15:58

Corbett calls out everyone nowadays. That's all he does. I doubt the Shvets fight will even happen.

Dirk Kelly · Post by **Dirk Kelly** » 27 Jul 2004, 04:04

What weight does he fight at? I somehow thought he was a cruiser?

bennie · Post by **bennie** » 27 Jul 2004, 04:23

dopey wrote:What weight does he fight at? I somehow thought he was a cruiser?

He dropped down to light-heavyweight.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 27 Jul 2004, 04:29

He's been at light heavy recently - can he make 168? I doubt that.

Dirk Kelly · Post by **Dirk Kelly** » 27 Jul 2004, 07:49

How good do you think he is?

Remember watching a really old Ko video at my mates house a few years back and seeing Corbett knocking people out for fun and acting like a right pounce.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 27 Jul 2004, 08:01

Average. He has a few good wins but his heart and conditioning are a big question mark. I wouldnt pick him against Reid, he'd maybe have a chance with chinny Magee.

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 29 Jul 2004, 07:01

How long can Corbett live off that upset victory over the 'BadMammaJamma'?

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 29 Jul 2004, 07:05

That was 7 years ago!! At least Corbett is in better shape these days, he hasnt done much though. If he can make 168 safely he could have the power to beat Magee who holds a shot like a one armed goalkeeper.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 29 Jul 2004, 07:22

As an amatuer I'm sure Corbett fought as a Heavyweight and even Super-Heavyweight. I remember reading an article in Boxing Monthly where I think Barry Hearn was predicting that Corbett would win tiitles at Cruiser, then Light-Heavy then Super-Middlweight.

He doesn't look 'cut' at 175lbs but can he still be strong over a long tough fight at 168lbs? I have my doubts to be honest.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 29 Jul 2004, 07:54

I'm sure Corbett started his pro career at heavyweight.