Jimmy gives Gibbs a present of superglue

Today’s undercard press conference for the mega Resorts World bill

JIMMY First, who placed the first loss on Cori Gibbs’ record courtesy of an ill-fitting gumshield that constantly spilled from the Birmingham prospect’s mouth, came to the press conference for their return armed with a present.

At today’s (Thursday’s) media gathering at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, Jimmy handed his opponent a tube of superglue.

The tongue-in-cheek gift brought guffaws from those present. Cori – a fomer Ultimate Boxxer winner at light-welter – remained poker faced.

The pair meet on Saturday over eight rounds as part of the massive Resorts World show, televised on Sky.

For Cori, aged 29, it’s an early shot at redemption. Last December, Jimmy – a fighting phenomenon at the aged of 42 -  snapped Gibbs’ 17 fight unbeaten run in bizarre circumstances.

Throughout the eight rounder, Cori’s gumshield fell to the canvas. It cost him three points. It cost him the fight, 76-73. It almost saw him disqualified.

First, a former Central Area lightweight champ, was unbeaten going into the contest, but has since lost his belt. That’s the only blemish in 15 bouts.

Cori Gibbs…”what happened last time was an embarrassment

The Yorkshireman was quick to point out that even without the docked points, Gibbs would have only drawn on the ref’s card.

“The man who was closest to the action saw the things I was doing,” he said. “I brought the hustle. It would’ve been a draw without the gumshield scenario. It was a good fight – I put it on him that night and the right man won.

“This time, I know what to expect, Cori knows what to expect. I expect to do the double in even more style. I’m a young 42 and there are very low miles on the clock. Lads of 22, 25 can’t keep up with me in the gym.”

The memory of December’s defeat – and its farcical nature – is still raw with Gibbs.

“It was an embarrassment last time, to be fair,” he said. “This time no gumshield will be popping out of my mouth. It was just embarrassing, it wasn’t professional. I know what I can do and it shouldn’t have happened last time.

“Saturday night, I’ll come out victorious. It (the dislodged gumshield) was stopping my flow. The ref said, ‘you are going to get disqualified’. That is not going to happen again – I’m definitely going to get the win.”