Dick Corbett

Dick Corbett
Born
Richard Coleman

(1908-09-28)28 September 1908
Bethnal Green, London
Died3 March 1943(1943-03-03) (aged 34)
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights185
Wins131
Wins by KO32
Losses38
Draws16
No contests1

Richard Coleman (28 September 1908 – 3 March 1943), better known as Dick Corbett, was a two-time British bantamweight champion. He was from Bethnal Green, London.

Boxing career

According to his traceable fight record Corbett remained undefeated between 1926 (the year of his pro debut) and 1927. His first defeat was at the hands of future British flyweight champion, Bert Kirby. Dick fought and beat Willie Smith while defending the Empire bantamweight title. Dick fought and beat Johnny King for the vacant British bantamweight title and the Commonwealth (British Empire) bantamweight title, and would fight Johnny King a further four times. In their second bout Corbett lost his British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles to King, but he regained both titles in their third meeting. Their fourth and fifth fights were both draws and so left Corbett the title holder. Corbett also won the British (Southern Area) Featherweight Title by defeating Dave Crowley.

Personal life

Coleman was son of Henry and Elizabeth Coleman.[1]

Coleman was one of 173 who died during the Bethnal Green Disaster during World War II, leaving a widow Lilian Rose.[2][1] He was a younger brother of the British featherweight champion Harry Corbett.

Championships and accomplishments

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Civilian casualty record, Borough of Bethnal Green, Richard Coleman". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  2. ^ The hush-hush catastophe [sic] The Guardian, 15 February 2003