BoxRec

DARREN Corbett insists that his WBU light-heavyweight title fight is still on despite a bitter split with manager Kevin Dever.

Corbett revealed today that as far as he is concerned he is now self-managed and is on course to clash with WBU champion Tony Oakey on October 11.

But, the hard-hitting Belfastman said that only a break away from Dever kept the fight alive.

"Two weeks ago I was told the fight was off. He told me that he had said to Sports Network that I wasn't happy with the terms which wasn't true," said Corbett.

"I told him he had no right to say that and that I didn't want him to have anything to do with me.

"He was trying to get me in with a fight against Darius Michaelzewski but I wanted Oakey.

"He's done nothing for my career and I have no contract with him."

Whether Corbett has a contract with Dever or not is something the American disputes and he will be taking the matter to the British Boxing Board of Control.

"I got him this shot so I will be sending my contract to the British Boxing Board of Control to get my money," said Dever.

"He's an ungrateful guy. Everyone told me to stay away but I didn't listen.

"There's 22 more months to go on my contract with Darren.

"I did have Darius Michaelzewski lined up for him.

"I was in negotiations with Heidi Taiub of Universum boxing for the WBO title shot because I thought the contract from Sports Network was too restrictive."

The bust-up looks set to rumble on but Corbett has no doubt he will be in the ring on October 11.

"I've told Sports Network the fight is on and I'll be sending the contract back signed very shortly," added Corbett.

Can't wait for this scrap, get your video's ready for this one.

Here's a question to the board, who here believe Darren Corbett would have had a title fight Dariuz Michaelswecki.

Is Corbett's manager the same one as Elvis Michaelchenko - apparently e was supposed to get as shot at Dariuz aswell.

stujones wrote:Can't wait for this scrap, get your video's ready for this one.

Here's a question to the board, who here believe Darren Corbett would have had a title fight Dariuz Michaelswecki.

Is Corbett's manager the same one as Elvis Michaelchenko - apparently e was supposed to get as shot at Dariuz aswell.

I wouldnt have ruled that out, Stu. Michalczewski's handlers approached Neil Linford, a couple of years ago now and offered him 150 grand to challenge him. German TV knocked the fight back.

Dariusz likes the occasional easy defence here and there. Which is what I imagine Corbett would have been. Corbett hasn't produced anything for god knows how long now, he was fortunate to get the decision over Neil Simpson. I'm fairly confident that Oakey can outwork him over 12 rounds, if the fight goes ahead that is.

Neil Linford? I know saying Michaelswecki likes an easy opponent here and there is an understatement (although some of the criticisms he gets stateside is harsh), but still Neil Linford?

At least Howard Clarke at a fairly high IBF ranking thanks to his upset victory.

I thought the Micahelswecki vs Michaelweko (of however you pronounce Elvis' surname) was a far fetched storyline, but Neil Linford vs DM is too unrealistic. I don't know your source, but I cannot believe that.

I've been thinking cause of DM reputation of fighting lesser opponents that Elvis' camp and now Corbett's seem to be spouting his name just to sell his fighter for future fights.

Why didn't Linford jump at that chance 150K and something he can tell his grandchildren.

Speaking of DM what the fcuk happend to Mark Prince?

BTW Lightsoot,

I agree with your prediction a wide UD for Oakey sounds about right, but you never know. Oakey not exactly hard to hit and Corbett hits damn hard.

I know Oakey's got this respected chin, but he was hurt last time with a guy who didn't seem technically a puncher to me.

Corbett will hit harder than Oakey's ever been hurt before and I doubt Oakey can trouble the plump Irishman. I do believe Corbett may have one or two moments but on the whole Oakey will outwork him and winning a wide UD.

But again it will be an aging fight for Oakey.

Remember on my old rankings, Lightsoot, I stated that Oakey vs Corbett could be a fight of the year contendor. I think it simply cannot be a stinker. I haven't seen Oakey in a bad fight, and the only poor(ish) fight I've seen Corbett in was with a very negative Norton.

I want to see Davies vs Oakey II, for me Davies was the classier fighter and I'm sure was kicking himself he didn't quite work hard enough. He's got the ability to beat Oakey and be a real contendor for domestic honours. He's more suited to Light Heavy than Super Middle.

I think also that Oakey would outwork Corbett but if Corbett can get some good shots off then it could back up Oakey and make him think a little, after all Oakey has been down and hurt in the past. Oakey UD12 Corbett.

stujones wrote: Why didn't Linford jump at that chance 150K and something he can tell his grandchildren.

Well, it does seem like an unbelievable amount of money I agree. Linford would have bit their hands off but like I said German TV didn't deem him to be a worthy challenger for Michalzcewski.