Ulsterman Darren Corbett remained on course for a possible shot at WBO Cruiserweight champion Carl Thompson following his fourth-round stoppage of Ukrainian Konstantin Orchey at the Ulster Hall, Belfast, last night.

Orchey was probably just ahead on points as he exposed Corbett's defence with piercing left leads and sharp right hands. But the Commonwealth champion produced a thunderous right uppercut midway through the fourth which sent Orchey stumbling across the ring, and, as he turned his back, referee Ritchie Davies called a halt.

Corbett began quite sprightly, sending home some clubbing hooks to Orchey's body and head. But the Ukrainian responded with quick combinations which probably edged him the opening round.

Local hero Corbett came back to take the second round as he backed up Orchey, switching hooks from body to head.

Yet the Ukrainian showed that he had not just come for the pay day and made Corbett miss with some wide lunges, following up with his sling-shot counters.

But hard-hitting Corbett found the necessary power once more as he unleashed the right hand which effectively ended the bout.