BoxRec

23 September 2003

Darren Corbett was today given 48 hours to sign up or forget about his WBU light-heavyweight title shot on October 11.

Corbett is set to challenge WBU champion Tony Oakey in Portsmouth but manager Frank Maloney, who works for promoters Sports Network, has given him an ultimatum.

Corbett's bust-up with former American manager Kevin Dever caused some concern over the fight but Maloney revealed that he has been dealing directly with the former Commonwealth cruiserweight champion.

Maloney said: "Corbett's got 48 hours to sign the contract and return it to me or the fight is off.

"We have a substitute opponent on standby and frankly we need an answer now.

"I am happy that he is looking after his own affairs and that Dever is not his manager and we have re-negotiated the contract which he wanted."

"The figures have been changed and he has deal that offers him good work which is not what many fighters have.

"So, if he doesn't take the fight now it's not about money it is just about the fact that he doesn't want to face Oakey."

Corbett has been in training for the clash and Maloney remains very hopeful that the showdown can be made as he views it as a "great" showdown.

"If Corbett goes ahead, which I hope he does, it will be a great fight. What they both lack in skill they make up for in determination and desire.

"Corbett would seem to have the edge in punching power but Oakey has proved that he can get off the floor and win and it could be one of the very best fights of the year."

Clearly, Corbett needs to sign on the dotted line or his career could end up taking another turn for the worst.

Come on Darren sign. You never know you might even knock the guy out - and imagine the waves that would make on the British scene?

Oh hope this fight get signed, its going to be a domestic classic.

Kilburn wrote:Come on Darren sign. You never know you might even knock the guy out - and imagine the waves that would make on the British scene?

Totally agree, Corbett has power and Oakey can be hurt (Kiarsten anyone?!) so the win is out there for Darren Corbett. Oakey needs a test and this could prove to be it.

Who gives a shit? Oakey is WB-Useless champ (camp). I rate the British championship well above the WBU so called world title. I would sooner argue over an area title than two stiffs fighting for a mock title and contributing to the sport's downfall by recognising these phony bullshit belts.

You're right Bullshitter nobody cares about the fake belt but it doesn't stop it from being an excellent domestic match up provided Corbett makes the weight comfortably.

Over recent years I've become tired slating off these WBU (and the others) title fights. There just seems so little point especially as I am an IT professional and don't work in the boxing industry thus have 0% influence to exert so I might as well accept what they serve up and as Kilburn points out just look at this (proposed) WBU title fight for what it is, a good domestic scrap.