HEARTBREAK IN A SMALL COMMUNITY

By Michael Swann

By any definition, this has been a week of sorrow in that small community that makes up the world of boxing. Late Monday night I received the call that former two time world champion Diego “Chico” Corrales was dead at the age of 29, a victim of an incomprehensible, tragic motorcycle accident near his home in Las Vegas.

He had owned the 2007 Suzuki 1000 motorcycle for less than a week.

Mr. Corrales was riding the bike northbound at 100 mph and hit the back of another vehicle and was tossed off into the southbound lane, according to published reports. A motorist traveling in the southbound lane was unable to brake in time.

How ironic it is that this courageous warrior would meet his ultimate fate on the second anniversary of his epic lightweight title unification victory over Jose Luis Castillo. On May 7, 2005, Diego reached the pinnacle of his career in a brutal toe to toe slugfest with Castillo, getting off the deck twice in the 10th round before turning the tide and scoring a dramatic knockout.

Not only was that fight the 2005 Fight of the Year, but most consider it as one of the greatest in boxing history, probably the best in a generation. The 10th round Corrales rally and the Hollywood ending made the fight a classic for the ages. Oddly, the fight was attended by a mere 5,200 fans, but today nearly every boxing fan will tell you that they have seen that fight, even if it was viewed on a Showtime replay.

It was a brutal, punishing fight, the kind that shortens careers, and Diego left a huge chunk of himself in the ring that night. He was never again to feel the moment of victory in the ring.

But he was always a warrior who engaged in action filled fights. That legacy from his 11 year career, along with a record of 40-5 (33), his two titles, the quality of his opposition, and his participation in the first Castillo fight might be just enough for Hall of Fame consideration.

On the night of Diego’s death, an obviously distraught Gary Shaw, Corrales’ promoter, simply began, “Just sad…such a waste.”

Shaw then said, “I am proud to have promoted one of the true warriors of the game. My heart goes out to his wife and kids. Boxing has lost one of the most exciting fighters in the ring.”

The tragedy shook the boxing community to its core. Several classy promotional companies issued statements of condolence, as well as two of Diego’s most prominent opponents:

Jose Luis Castillo - “I was very surprised and upset when I heard about Chico. It really is tragic when something like this happens. My heart goes out to his family who I know he cared a lot about. I always liked Chico. We had what I would call a friendly rivalry when we got into the ring.

“We had two amazing fights and our names will be linked forever. For me, it was a privilege knowing Chico and being part of such great fights.”

Bob Arum, CEO Top Rank - “Like everyone else in boxing, we are stunned and saddened at the tragic death of Diego Corrales. Years ago we helped launch Diego’s boxing career and promoted many fights for him including his first championship bout. Diego was a class person who we were very fond of. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Michelle and the rest of his family. May he rest in peace.”

Bruce Trampler, Chief Matchmaker, Top Rank - “In a sport populated by brave, courageous fighters, Diego was the ultimate warrior. We at Top Rank knew him very well and inside the ring there was nobody who exemplified guts and heart like Diego Corrales. Corrales battled a lot of personal issues but the bottom line was that he was a real prizefighter.”

Lee Samuels, Public Relations, Top Rank - “We’re like numb. He fought for us for many years . We’re all in shock here. It’s a bad day for boxing.

“I still remember the first time we saw him. It was the walkout bout. The arena was empty. Then he walks into the ring and you knew right away. He had hand speed and power. You knew right away he was someone special.”

Joel Casamayor proclaimed that he will dedicate his next fight to Corrales’ memory. “Boxing has lost a giant and I’ve lost a rival and fierce competitor. My career will forever be linked to this man. I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news. My heart goes out to Corrales’ beautiful family…May Chico forever rest in peace.”

Luis Decubas Sr. , DRL Promotions - “We’ve lost one of the great warriors of our lifetime. Diego has had his life end tragically and prematurely. Chico, may you rest in God’s peace.”

Luis Decubas Jr. - “I send my deepest condolences to the Corrales family. Diego was more than a boxer, he was a titan in the ring. Our sport has lost one of its icons and idols, a man who truly inspired us all to fight the good fight. God bless Diego ‘Chico’ Corrales.”

Seminole Warriors Boxing Statement - “Seminole Warriors Boxing was stunned by the news Monday night that two division world champion Diego Corrales was killed in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas. The entire company sends its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Chico, one of the sport’s greatest warriors and a friend to everyone who met him.”

Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing - “I’m still in shock over this news and this is a sad day for the sport. Diego was a fighter who never did anything half way and we loved him for it. He was a fighter’s fighter and his attitude in and out of the ring made him a great ambassador for boxing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. He will be missed.”

In addition to the statements issued by Top Rank, DRL Promotions, and Seminole Warriors Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions has a banner on their website that reads, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Diego Corrales family.” DiBella Entertainment also prominently displayed condolences on their website.

Gary Shaw’s website has a poignant flashing photo tribute topped with the words, “I’ll miss you, Chico.” - Gary - followed by numerous articles, photos and videos on the life and death of Corrales.

Diego is survived by his pregnant wife, Michelle, and five children. Recently his life seemed to be in a downward spiral. After his defining knockout win over Castillo, the two met in a rematch just five very short months later. Castillo came in overweight but Chico took the fight anyway, “for the fans,” he said. He was stopped in four.

There were two more attempts to hold a rubber match between the two. Chico had to pull out of a scheduled bout between the two in February 2006 due to what was called a rib injury. Then in June 2006, Corrales declined to fight Castillo when the Mexican again came in overweight.

Last October he lost his WBC lightweight title on the scale when he came in overweight for his rubber match with Joel Casamayor and then lost a split decision. Just this past April, no longer able to make weight in the 135 and 140 pound divisions, he moved up to welterweight and took a beating from Joshua Clottey.

The talk of returning “demons” was whispered in the boxing world. He was separated from Michelle at the time of his death. After the Casamayor fight, he was heavily fined by the Las Vegas commission for failing to make weight, and the IRS was on hand to collect as well.

Chico was offered a $300,000 bonus to sign with Golden Boy and seized the opportunity, then used the money to settle with the IRS. However, Shaw still had a valid contract and the deal fell through. Just last week amidst rumors of a possible lawsuit, Kevin Iole wrote on Yahoo News that Shane Mosley, a partner in Golden Boy who had recruited Chico, had Corrales sign a legal document acknowledging the debt in order to collect the money owed to Golden Boy.

“He’ll pay it when he can,” Mosley was quoted as saying.

So here was a man who stood on top of the world just two years ago who found his life in personal and financial chaos at a time that his skills had prematurely deserted him at age 29. Then suddenly, without warning, his life was snuffed out. It is sad beyond belief.

When I recover fully from the shock, I want to picture Diego Corrales with his hands raised triumphantly in the air as he did on May 7, 2005, not lying on a roadway with a sheet draped over him as was the case on May 7, 2007.