International Boxing Hall Of Fame

Born William H. Rothwell on October 4, 1880 in Denver, CO. He turned professional in 1896. A win over George Dixon set up a world featherweight title bid against Terry McGovern in Hartford, CT on November 28, 1901. Although Corbett had difficult making the then featherweight limit of 122 pounds (he weighed 126), the bout was nonetheless billed as for the championship. Corbett, who was known for frustrating opponents with insults and humiliating remarks, entered McGovern’s dressing room to intimidate the champion. The ploy infuriated McGovern and he went toe-to-toe with Corbett. After two vicious rounds, Corbett was the winner by knockout. Corbett also stopped McGovern in the rematch on March 31, 1903 (KO 11). They met for the final time on October 17, 1906. (ND 6).

During his career Corbett defeated such men as Joe Bernstein, Jimmy Briggs and Eddie Hanlon and dropped back-to-back contests to Battling Nelson (KO by 10, KO by 9) in 1904 and 1905. The 5’2 ½” battler posted a career record of 68-22-16 (47 KOs), 6 NC.

Corbett died on April 10, 1927 in Denver.