Matchroom Boxing: Corbett Aiming For Prizefighter Destiny

Darren Corbett believes he is destined to become Prizefighter Cruiserweights Champion.

Corbett, 36, is one of eight fighters competing in the next phase of Barry Hearn’s hugely popular Prizefighter Series on Tuesday, May 19.

The event, which will be screened live on Sky Sports, comes from the Earls Court in London and tickets are selling fast.

Corbett believes he can follow in the footsteps of another Belfast boxer – Martin Rogan, who won the first heavyweights Prizefighter in April and is now the Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion.

“Being in this is absolutely brilliant and this suits me down to the ground,” said Corbett, who has won 27 out of 32 fights.

“I’m explosive in the first couple of rounds and this Prizefighter is probably the biggest yet, but I’m not coming over from Belfast for a holiday.

“I’ve sparred with Martin a few times and had decent sessions but winning Prizefighter has avalanched his career right the way through.

“(Matchroom Sport Chairman) Barry (Hearn) has given me this opportunity and I thank him for that. I’ve been Commonwealth Champion, IBO Intercontinental Champion and Irish Champion, but this is my time – I’m buzzing.

“When I boxed professionally in my first fight I was so excited, then I met Roberto Duran, my hero, but the excitement then is nothing compared to what I’m feeling now.

“Everybody has fought for British, European or Commonwealth titles but they don’t scare me and I see myself as the winner as I have the power and fitness in the ring.

“It’s an omen – I have to win this – just look at where the press conference was, HMS Belfast and I’m the only man from Belfast in it!

“In all the previous Prizefighters, all the odds are getting upset and hopefully I start as an underdog because the favourites for some reason don’t go that well.”

Four quarter-finals, two semi-finals and a final will all take place inside a frenetic three-hour period on Tuesday, May 19.

The draw will be made on Thursday, May 14 and Corbett is hoping to gain some early revenge from a painful defeat in his career.

“Bruce Scott beat me for the Commonwealth title but I was unfit and he was a lucky, lucky man,” added Corbett. So hopefully I get him first and get the harder ones out of the way early on.

“I’m expecting a great night. I think it will be tough as everyone will come to fight but I’ve got the power to win. It’s going to be an entertaining night and everyone in this is a puncher.”

The full list of contenders are: Darren Corbett (Belfast), Terry Dunstan (Vauxhall, London), Dean Francis (Basingstoke), John Keaton (Sheffield), Mark Krence (Chesterfield), Bruce Scott (Hackney), Neil Simpson (Coventry) and Micky Steeds (Isle of Dogs, London).

TICKETS COST £25 (UNRESERVED) AND £50 (RESERVED) AND ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING 0870 903 9033 (24-HOURS), ONLINE AT WWW.SEETICKETS.COM OR FROM MATCHROOM SPORT ON 01277 359900.

FOR more information about The Prizefighter Series, please visit www.theprizefighterseries.com