Gibbs rights a wrong on Resorts World bill

Gibbs lands flush on First. Picture: Lawrence Lustig/Boxxer

CORI Gibbs – a boxer with a style as smooth as melted butter – has righted the only wrong on his record.

At Resorts World on Saturday night, the highly talented 29-year-old outpointed the only man to beat him, teak tough veteran Jimmy First.

The 42-year-old gained distance victory over Cori last December courtesy of an ill-fitting gumshield that frequently spilled from the Birmingham lightweight’s mouth. That cost Gibbs – a former Ultimate Boxxer winner – the contest.

There were no such dental disasters in the return. Southpaw Gibbs was ahead of the game throughout and registered a 78-74 win after eight rounds. He was all business and professional during the battle.

Cori knew a second defeat would’ve been very costly.

Yorkshire’s First did, however, illustrate what a genuinely tough individual he is. For his advanced boxing years, the man is a phenomenon. I applaud the veteran who has held the Central Area title and lost only two of 16.

At the end of a hard-fought contest, Cori said: "Very satisfying. He was a tough kid. I'm glad to get that win and move on to bigger things now.

"I'm a comfortable lightweight so I want titles next."

Cori, now 18-1, has all the moves in the book – then some. Trained by Max McCracken – one of the country’s top trainers – he’s a joy to watch in the ring. The lad’s footwork would put Fred Astaire to shame.

Questions still remain over the power he carries, but Cori has the ring IQ to fight for a British title.

He’s now erased the one blemish on his record. He’s ready for much bigger things.