Exclusive Boxing Interview: Diego Corrales

Diego Corrales, Volume II

Having endured more than his share of ups and downs over the past two years, former two weight world champion Diego Corrales, 40-4 (33), is ready to make a bold return to the ring April 7 on Showtime.

Despite two back to back losses, he has chosen to take on a very game opponent in Joshua Clottey, who lost a unanimous decision to WBO Welterweight Champion Antonio Margarito last year after easily dominating the early rounds.

Clottey’s hand speed and stamina were very problematic for Margarito as they will likely be for Corrales. SaddoBoxing spoke to Corrales, now campaigning as a welterweight, regarding his future in boxing in this exclusive interview.

SaddoBoxing: How are you feeling?

Diego Corrales: “I’m feeling good, very good.”

SB: You struggled to make 139 lb in your third bout with Joel Casamayor; is making 147 difficult?

DC: “It’s definitely a little bit of work. People don’t realize how big I really was. I still find myself dieting to make the weight.”

SB: How’s your power at 147? Do you have more pop?

DC: “It’s funny; I’ve sparred with 154 pounders. Obviously, I did bring my power with me; they feel it.”

SB: You chose a very game opponent in Joshua Clottey; why didn’t you take a tune-up for your first fight at 147?

DC: “Joshua Clottey is a tough dude. I want to make sure people know I belong here. I plan on giving a great show.”

SB: Sparring is one thing; what if your body doesn’t respond like you want it to during the fight?

DC: “Your body responds the same way in training. You’ll play the same way in training. Understandably, I’m fighting a big guy, a strong guy in Joshua Clottey, but you train the same way you play.”

SB: Do you feel the move up in weight has revitalized your game? Can you continue a few more years?

DC: “You know what? It’s taken away a lot of the headaches and stresses in the game. And fighting this way is tough. It’s hard to keep yourself at a tempo at this point.

“At this stage, I’m happy; it’s a new weight lifted off the shoulders. I’m actually able to train the way I want to.”

SB: Can you stay at 147 or will you need to move up to 154?

DC: (laughs) “You know? I don’t know. You really don’t know what’s gonna happen. Hopefully, this is the last stop.

“Getting heavier wouldn’t surprise me. I’m 29 and getting ready for 30. As you get older your body gets denser.”

SB: What’s changed for the better in the move up?

DC: “Biggest thing, I’m thinking about what I have to do as opposed to what can I do to lose weight. Now I watch what I do and I watch what I’m eating and those all make a big difference for me. I don’t have a huge focus on my weight.”

SB: How does your wife feel about you continuing to box?

DC: “As long as I’m happy, she’s happy with what I’m doing so long as I don’t wind up hurt.”

SB: Floyd Mayweather, Shane Mosley (interim champ), Miguel Cotto, Kermit Cintron, Antonio Margarito; what belt would you like to contend for first?

DC: “I’m not opposed to any of them. I’m not picking and choosing what direction to go. Only person who’s off the list is Shane.

“We’re close friends; my wife knows his wife, my kids play with his kids. But everyone else is fair game.”

SB: What will be your signal that this is the end of your boxing career or have you already determined that for yourself?

DC: “When I feel it’s time for me to go. When I feel I’m losing a step, I’ll leave.”

SB: I was already a fan, but when I saw you expose Acelino Freitas, my stock in you rose greatly. How did it feel to beat a champion so badly that he quit?

DC: (laughs) “Pretty crazy. I wouldn’t have thought he was gonna quit. I would rather go out on my shield. It felt good considering everyone thought he would win. I just did what I do.”

SB: Who do you think wins on Cinco de Mayo?

DC: “I think Oscar. If it goes to a decision, Floyd definitely has that [chance]. Definitely Oscar can end the fight. It’s so hard to call.

“Speed for speed favors Floyd, but the power and the size and the strength all go to Oscar. At 154, Floyd just has too many things to overcome.”

SB: Well, good luck on April 7. Anything you’d like to say in closing?

DC: “Watch April 7. It’s going to be a great showing.”