Diego Corrales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diego Corrales |
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Corrales in 2004
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| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Chico |
| Rated at |
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| Height | 5 ft 10+1/2 in |
| Reach | 70 in |
| Born | August 25, 1977 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | May 7, 2007 (aged 29) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 45 |
| Wins | 40 |
| Wins by KO | 33 |
| Losses | 5 |
Diego "Chico" Corrales Jr. (born August 25, 1977 – died May 7, 2007) was an American professional boxer. He competed from 1996 to 2007. Diego was a world champion many times. He won titles in two different weight classes.
He held the IBF super featherweight title. He also won the WBO super featherweight title. Later, he became the WBO lightweight champion. He also held the WBC and Ring magazine lightweight titles.
In 2005, Corrales' first fight against José Luis Castillo was named "Fight of the Year." This award came from The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Diego Corrales was honored in 2024. He was added to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
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Diego Corrales' Early Life
Diego Corrales was born in Columbia, South Carolina. His father was from Colombia. His mother was Mexican. He grew up in Sacramento, California. Diego trained at the Sacramento Police Athletic League Boxing Gym. He also earned a degree in culinary arts.
How Did Diego Corrales Start Boxing?
Diego Corrales had a great amateur boxing career. He won 105 fights and lost only 12. In 1994, he placed second at the U.S. Amateur Championships. He competed in the featherweight division.
He also took part in international events. He competed at the 1995 Pan American Games. He also fought at the 1995 World Amateur Boxing Championships.
Diego Corrales' Professional Boxing Career
Diego Corrales became a professional boxer in 1996. He quickly became known for his exciting fighting style. He won many of his early fights by knockout.
Super Featherweight Fights
Corrales fought in the super featherweight division. He became a world champion in this weight class.
Corrales vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
On January 20, 2001, Corrales fought Floyd Mayweather Jr.. This was for the WBC super featherweight title. Mayweather won the fight. Corrales was knocked down several times. His corner stopped the fight in the tenth round.
Corrales vs. Joel Casamayor Fights
In 2003, Corrales returned to boxing. He won four fights easily. Then, he fought Joel Casamayor. The first fight was stopped because of a cut in Corrales' mouth.
They had a rematch on March 6, 2004. This time, they fought for the WBO super featherweight title. Corrales won this close fight by a split decision.
Lightweight Fights
After winning the super featherweight title, Corrales moved up to the lightweight division.
Corrales vs. Acelino Freitas
On August 7, 2004, Corrales challenged Acelino Freitas. Freitas was the WBO Lightweight champion and had never lost a fight. Corrales won the fight in the tenth round. This made Corrales a champion in two different weight classes. Freitas was tired in the later rounds. He quit after being knocked down three times.
Corrales vs. José Luis Castillo I: A Legendary Fight
On May 7, 2005, Corrales fought José Luis Castillo. Castillo was the WBC and Ring Lightweight champion. Corrales won by knockout in the tenth round. This fight is remembered as one of the best boxing matches ever.
Both boxers stood close and traded powerful punches. In the tenth round, Castillo knocked Corrales down twice. Corrales got up both times. After a small break, Corrales landed a strong punch. He then trapped Castillo against the ropes. The referee stopped the fight because Castillo was taking too many punches.
Corrales vs. José Luis Castillo II
A rematch between Corrales and Castillo happened on October 8, 2005. Castillo did not make the correct weight for the fight. So, it was not a title match. The fighters again traded many punches. In the fourth round, Castillo knocked Corrales down. Corrales could not get up before the referee counted to ten. The fight ended there.
A third fight was planned but never happened. Castillo again had trouble making the weight.
Corrales vs. Joel Casamayor III
Corrales was set to fight Joel Casamayor for a third time on October 7, 2006. Corrales weighed too much for the lightweight limit. He lost his title before the fight even started. Casamayor won the fight by a split decision.
On April 7, 2007, Corrales fought Joshua Clottey in the welterweight division. Corrales lost this fight by a unanimous decision.
Diego Corrales' Passing
On May 7, 2007, Diego Corrales died in a motorcycle accident. This was exactly two years after his famous first fight with Castillo. The accident happened near his home in Las Vegas. Corrales was riding his motorcycle when he hit the back of a car. He was then thrown into oncoming traffic. He was taken to a hospital but passed away.
Professional Boxing Record Summary
Diego Corrales had an impressive professional record.
- Total Fights: 45
- Wins: 40
- Wins by Knockout (KO): 33
- Losses: 5
