Corcoran gets first title tilt

12.10.05 – Billy Corcoran will challenge English super featherweight champion Roy Rutherford in a potential barnstormer on the undercard of Junior Witter’s defence of his British, Commonwealth and European light welterweight titles against Colin Lynes at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on October 21st.

It will be the 24-year-old’s first foray into Championship class following a 13-fight apprenticeship that begun just over three years ago under the Hennessy Sports banner. Despite the step up in opposition and distance this brings, he is predicting an eye-catching victory.

“I know I am going to come out on top,” said the Wembley fighter. “I am going to put in a big performance. I have been waiting to make an impact on the super featherweight division.

“I am in sound nick and feel really confident. I am not nervous at all, even though I am fighting a champion and will be boxing over ten rounds for the first time. I reckon the longer distance might even suit me.

“As a fight goes on I get better and better because I break opponents down and I am in such good shape. At this level I think I will get a lot of stoppages in the later rounds.

“I would have stopped my last opponent Steve Gethin if I had a bit more time; I had only just started to get going.”

As Corcoran is well aware, Rutherford already has a wealth of title experience. The 32-year-old from Coventry has completed the Championship distance on three occasions whilst winning, defending and then again challenging for the British title.

“Rutherford is very tough. He is also a good boxer, you can’t take that away from him,” Corcoran appraised. “He is a current English champion and a former British champion and has been in with some very good names.

“He won a senior ABA title so has got good pedigree as well. Whilst I am 100% confident of the win, I am going to know that I have been in a very hard fight – particularly as we are both very aggressive fighters.”

Fight fans will certainly be expecting an explosive affair given the come forward approach both boxers adopt.

“We have both been in the odd war,” Corcoran admits. “But if you are a come forward fighter who enjoys getting the job done, that is going to happen now and then.”

By graduating to Championship class, Corcoran follows in the footsteps of three of his ‘Real Class of 2002’ teammates, including British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion Carl Froch.

Tickets for the Witter-Lynes event at the York Hall on October 21st being promoted by Matchroom Sports in association with Hennessy Sports can be bought on 01277 359900. Sky Sports 1 televise.