Gibbs: superb talent waiting for chance to show his full ability

Poster for Cori Gibbs fight next weekend at the Eastside Rooms

THE career of Cori Gibbs, a fighter with talent to burn, continues to smoulder when many believe it should be well and truly ignited.

The former outstanding Birmingham amateur, part of a brotherly boxing double act – sibling Tion is a former Midlands champ, has the moves to be a ring marvel.

I’ve seen the boxer perform on many occasions. He does things in the ring not many can do, he’s smooth as melted butter. He has the looks, he has the class, he has the connections, with top promoters Boxxer on board.

Yet progress to the kind of significant silverware Cori’s skills deserve has been painfully slow. That must frustrate a fighter whose star should be shining brightly. Instead, the 31-year-old remains in the shadows.

As Max McCracken, the respected fight figure guiding Cori’s career, said: “We need to get him moving because I’ve seen a high level of improvement in the gym.”

Next Saturday, August 16, Cori’s career gets the kickstart it needs when, after 14 months away from the game, he fights a six rounder on Anthony Manning’s “Nxt Gen” show at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms.

It’s a decent test. Late sub Cesar Ignacio Paredes, from Peru, is a tough, stubborn warrior. He’s won 18 of 40 (one draw), is near impossible to stop and recently took red hot prospect Royston Barney Smith the distance.

He’s no mere journeyman. He’s not coming to just take the money.

Max said: “He (Paredes) is a southpaw and it meant we had to get in southpaw sparring at very short notice. Cori took it in his stride.”

Max pledged his boxer will come in within touching distance of the lightweight division where he belongs.

Gibbs looked destined for a golden future after winning the huge and lucrative televised Boxxer tournament – a one night, last man standing competition with a shared £100,000 prize pot.

After that, things didn’t go as smoothly as expected. It’s not Cori’s fault, McCracken insists – promises of big show appearances have fallen through, leaving Gibbs treading water.

In a shocking upset, Corri was outpointed by 41-year-old veteran Jimmy First. The result was beyond bizarre, with Gibbs repeatedly docked points for spilling an ill-fitting gumshield. Those points were the difference between victory and defeat.

McCracken with Cori Gibbs. He belongs in top five, says Max

He’s gained revenge over First and peeled off another victory to lodge a 19-1 record. After 20 fights, he’s not where he should be.

McCracken admitted: “It’s no-man’s-land at the moment. We need to get him moving, I’ve seen a high level of improvement.

“He’s a real talent, he just needs some decent competition. We’ll get this done, then we’ll look for a very decent opponent. I think he should be in the top five (lightweights) in Britain.

“For this one (Saturday) I’m looking for quality rounds.”

Gibbs has the kind of technical ability that harks back to Frankie Gavin.

But professional boxing isn’t just about technical ability. It’s about grit, strength and stamina.

Over the championship course, that’s something Cori still needs to show fans.

Max McCracken has no doubt he will.