Introduction
Richard Coleman, better known as Dick Corbett (28 September 1908 – 3 March 1943), 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.
Coleman was one of 173 who died during the Bethnal Green Disaster during World War II. He was a younger brother of the British featherweight champion Harry Corbett.
Championships and accomplishments
- British Boxing Board of Control
- List of British bantamweight boxing champions (2 times)
- British (Southern Area) Featherweight Title 1 time
- Commonwealth (British Empire) bantamweight Title 1 time