'Me and Herbie Hide are the names in Prizefighter' - Darren Corbett

Belfast cruiserweight Darren Corbett has been invited back for another crack at Prizefighter and the charismatic 37-year-old isn’t about to let defeat in the last tournament affect his confidence this time around. Training out of his familiar Sacred Heart club, Corbett was being put through the paces, on bags and pads, when we recently paid him a visit.

“Me and Herbie [Hide] are the biggest names in the next Prizefighter,” reckoned Corbett. “I only got the phone call a couple of weeks ago but I keep myself right fitness-wise, I don’t drink or smoke, so I’m always ready to go. I usually blow up to about 18 stone in between fights, like Ricky Hatton, but Coca-Cola’s my vice, I drink litres of the stuff each day.

“There will be no boxing this time; I’m getting straight in there. I have nothing to fear from any of the others because I’m a big puncher too."

Brother and co-trainer (with third sibling Eamonn) Ryan Corbett has been helping whip Darren into shape. “Mark Krence is a big lad, a former heavyweight, and there are a couple of guys in there who don’t tell me a lot by judging their records but they could be the ones you have to watch out for," Ryan said, running the rule over Darren's potential rivals.

“Darren likes fighting big lads but we’ll be ready for anybody. The preparation has been done and we will give Darren the best possible chance of winning. Remember though, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. When he gets in the ring it’s up to him to perform.

“Darren knows this is his last chance," admitted Ryan.

Tight Team: Corbett shares the gym with promising youngsters like Ciaran McVarnock and Ryan Bright (below).