Diego "Chico" Corrales will be meeting up with José Luis Castillo on May 7th to determine who the true lightweight champion of the world is. On Tuesday, Corrales along with Castillo met with the press during a conference call, and had a lot of interesting things to say. As usual with these two, everything was civil. Here's a little of what Corrales had to say on Tuesday.

             Diego Corrales

-On the delays in making this fight- I felt I had to have this fight. I was gun ho for this fight. I never had any thoughts of this fight not happening.

-The differences in training for this fight- I've focused on some different things from when I fought Casamayor and Freitas. We have had a longer camp, and he has a different style. We've focused more on fighting in the later rounds.

-On the question of his chin being suspect- I just let them think that, it doesn't bother me at all. Let 'em think that.

-What he expects on May 7th- I expect him to come forward and use his strength. I'm a big strong guy as well, I think we'll offset each other well. When all else fails just fight.

-On his strategy for Castillo- I want him to feel my presence early, that will allow the fight to work for me.

-On what keeps him fighting- I've achieved a lot of my goals already. I've won a world title, now it's a matter of placing myself in the Boxing history books. It's something that continues to drive me.

-On Castillo- I would rank Castillo at the top of my list of fighters I've fought. He's as tough as they come, he's defended his titles, and he's an awesome world champion. He has all my respect, and a win over him would be awesome.

-On his plans after this fight- I'm only thinking about Castillo. I haven't entertained any other thoughts. Castillo is at the forefront of my mind. I could answer that better on May 8th.

-On Castillo's rough tactics- He's gonna be rough, there's no way of getting around that. I got firepower to keep him honest. It doesn't worry me, I'll do my job and the ref can do his.

-His prediction- The time for talk and speculation is almost over. Everyone knows what I'm there to do. Come hell of high water, I'm leaving with those belts.

    Corrales will take on Castillo on May 7th in Las Vegas. The fight can be seen on Showtime along with Juan Manuel Marquez taking on Victor Polo.


4-26-2005