Corbett previously held the Commonwealth Cruiserweight title

Belfast boxer Darren Corbett has been forced to pull out of his WBU light-heavyweight title challenge against Portsmouth fighter Tony Oakey because of injury.

Corbett was scheduled to fight Oakey in Portsmouth on 11 October but the fight is now off after the Northern Ireland man cracked a rib in training.

Corbett's spokesman Paul McCausland said the fighter was "gutted" by the injury but that he was hopeful of re-scheduling the contest within the next six months.

"He sparred with his brother (Eamonn) on Monday and Tuesday and felt a slight twinge but the problem really became apparent when he had a four-round workout with Frenchman Valrey Odin on Wednesday," said McCausland.

"Odin actually hurt his shoulder in the sparring as well and they both went to the hospital together to get checked.

"It's hugely disappointing and we have informed Oakey's representative Frank Maloney who is now trying to get another opponent for the 11 October bill.

"We're pretty confident that Darren will be Oakey's next opponent after that contest although it could be the new year because Darren has been told that he can't train for the next eight weeks".

The Belfast fighter returned to the ring after a two-year absence in April by stopping Clint Johnson of Leeds in four rounds at the Ulster Hall.

Corbett previously held the Commonwealth cruiserweight title.