BoxRec

Boxing: Maloney hands Corbett lifeline


By David Kelly

24 January 2006
Darren Corbett's career has been thrown a lifeline by promoter Frank Maloney.
Corbett today revealed that he has signed a deal with Maloney for four fights, which will culminate in a shot at the British light-heavyweight title.

The former Commonwealth cruiserweight champion, who recently admitted he was bankrupt, will have his first fight under the Maloney Promotions banner on March 31 at the King's Hall.

Belfast man Corbett will be part of the supporting bill to Brian Magee's British and Commonwealth super-middleweight title fight with unbeaten champion Carl Froch.

Corbett admitted that he was "relieved" that he had finally secured a deal to help him get back on track after a period of inactivity.

"It's great for me and I'm just thankful that Frank (Maloney) is ready to give me a chance," said Corbett.

"The deal is four fights but obviously if I keep winning then it will go beyond that. I'll have a six-rounder to get me going and then probably an eight-rounder.

"The British champion Peter Oboh is the target though I've heard that he might be giving it up so I could fight for the vacant title as long as I win my next two fights.

"It's great to be fighting again at the King's Hall and assuming that I win I'm in line to face the winner of Tony Oakey's fight with Andrew Lowe, which is a British title eliminator.

"It's a been a hard time for me but I'm fighting back and I want to prove that I still have a lot to offer. I know that I can get that British title and even more."

Meanwhile, super-featherweight Kevin O'Hara has pulled out of his fight on Saturday night at the National Stadium, Dublin on the supporting bill to Bernard Dunne's clash with former European champion Noel Wilders.

Bloody hell Frank must be getting desparate. Corbett's best days were 10 long years ago.

Would Oboh V Corbett be humane?

boxingchat wrote:Would Oboh V Corbett be humane?

Corbett has to get into a position to challenge first, not to sure what he has left. If he can get himself into shape and put on some good performances than an Obah fight might happen, i can't see him winning that though

Thats a bit of a shocker, really surprised at that.... Fair play to Frank/Eugine for giving him a second (or is that fifth by now) chance. Think though any ambition he had has long gone.

Remember him fondly when he was a Eurosport favourite (not sure why so many of his fights appeared on that station). Barry Hearn talked of him being the first guy to win world titles at 3 weights going down.

Always a fun fighter to watch, with a big following in his prime. Some electric atmospheres when he fought.

I'll always remember his savaging of Chris Okoh years ago.

It's a pity he got injured before the Oakey fight because even a past his prime Corbbett should have been able to handle Oakey.

It'll be nice to see Darren again but I doubt this comeback will ammount to much.

Is this the same Darren Corbett he labelled a coward and a disgrace for pulling out against Tony Oakey?

WTF is he going to do with him?

topper123 wrote:

boxingchat wrote:Would Oboh V Corbett be humane?

Corbett has to get into a position to challenge first, not to sure what he has left. If he can get himself into shape and put on some good performances than an Obah fight might happen, i can't see him winning that though

Perhaps, but Maloney hasn't got Oboh so where's the logic?
Why doesn't he just sign Oboh and get him working, at least he can fight a bit.

boxingchat wrote:

topper123 wrote:

boxingchat wrote:Would Oboh V Corbett be humane?

Corbett has to get into a position to challenge first, not to sure what he has left. If he can get himself into shape and put on some good performances than an Obah fight might happen, i can't see him winning that though

Perhaps, but Maloney hasn't got Oboh so where's the logic?
Why doesn't he just sign Oboh and get him working, at least he can fight a bit.

Not just Maloney, why doesn't anyone want to sign Oboh?
Is there something behind him not being offered a fight?
Oboh seems keen enough to get into the ring, so why hasn't a promoter taken a chance on him, he stands a chance of making it at a higher level, but if nothing happens soon he will have to jack it in.