Diego Corrales was a great puncher with an inordinate ability to withstand punishment. He could be hurt, but was very hard to put down for good. Most notable victories were against Freitas, Casamayor, and Castillo. He'd be the best at 135lbs if he campaigned today, and I would favour him to stop Marquez in a brutal war.
To begin he's a two weight world champion...(at 130 and 135lbs)Defended 4 times his title at 130 and 2 times at 135...Unified at 135 against Jose Luis Castillo...In his career he holds top wins against Roberto Garcia, Derrick Gainer, Angel Manfredy, Joel Casamayor (he had a memorable trilogy with Casa, going 1-2 against him) Acelino Freitas (he was the first to beat Freitas) and Jose Luis Castillo (in a memorable war)He was a warrior with punishing power and good workrate...He was rather slow but most of the time his crazy workrate compensated for the lack of speed... He had a good chin even if he was down more than once in his career...Overall great all action fan-friendly fighter but not top level in term of skills...He struggled against good slick boxers like Casamayor and especially Mayweather who complety dominated him in a one sided fight...But against sluggers he was generally at his best always giving fight fans a great show!!! WAR CORRALES! Rip Diego.
You'd favor him over JJM? He was a hard hitter with a lot of heart but JJM would box circles around him. (Not really, but I think would win a fairly easy UD.)
A good exciting fighter with a big punch and an even bigger heart, had a suspect chin but had some very good recuperative powers which made it easy to put him down but almost impossible to keep him down, went before his time but left us with enough memories that ensure than anyone who saw him fight will never forget him.
I don't rate JMM very highly at 135lbs. He's not thoroughly dominated one fighter since becoming a Lightweight, with the likes of Juan Diaz and Michael Katsidis landing at fairly successful rates in losing efforts. Casamayor was close on the cards prior to being stopped, and this was a past it version, nothing like the one that had fought Corrales years before. I see it becoming a you hit me, I hit you type of affair, with Corrales punches ultimately carrying more weight.
I think most of it has been said already. His chin wasn't that good, but he recovered very well. Tall, good reach. very good power and work rate, but not much defence or speed. He would cause trouble for anyone top level slugger that tried to go toe to toe, but would struggle against most top level boxers with good defence. I always felt he was a little overrated because he was exciting to watch, and by some Floyd fans trying to increase the importance of his win, and also due to a reticence to speak ill of the dead.
Yea, as MattMattMatt said, most of it has been said. Good fighter, with some weaknesses. However, really go and check out some of his fights. Our descriptions can't do him justice. Very exciting fighter, and for a tall guy, he doesn't do the usual stick and move strategy. He gets in close and uses upper body movement for his defense. One of my fave fighters to watch.
Chico was the ****. Came to fight, nonstop action fighter sometimes (most of the time) he was one dimensional. JMM would beat him though. He on "my" top 10 lightweight list.
There have been more talented fighters im my time than corrales.........but NONE come close to having the effect on me as he did! I cant speak for anyone but myself when I say he was one of my favourite fighters all-time its guys like chico that made me fall in love with this sport! Gone but never forgotten RIP CHICO
