“Rest in Peace”: Mayweather Promotions CEO Remembers Late Diego Corrales’ Fight Against Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather had an illustrious career, and if there was one fight that set it off, it was a showdown with hard-hitting Diego Corrales. Two young fighters with brimming potential and undefeated records clashed in 2001, and the boxing world was never the same again. That happened exactly 23 years ago. Remembering that definitive and memorable fight, Leonard Ellerbe has penned a heartfelt message for ‘Chico’.

On January 20, 2001, Corrales challenged ‘Money’ for the WBC super featherweight crown. Before heading into the fight, Corrales and Mayweather, both 23 on that fateful night, had a spotless record, and neither fighter had touched the canvas. However, Corrales would record his first knockdown and his first loss. But the fight would go down in the history books and amass accolades. Such fights bring back nostalgic memories, and something similar happened with Mayweather Promotions’s CEO.

Diego Corrales receives an emotional homage

Leonard Ellerbe turned to his X handle and shared the clip from Corrales and Mayweather’s encounter. Mayweather had risen to the occasion and put on a dominating performance. Meanwhile, amid the barrages of punches, Corrales never gave up.

Ellerbe wrote, “My fav PB performance, may Diego rest in peace🙏🏾!! This fight the winner got the HBO contract, it was a tremendous build up for all the marbles. The fight almost didn’t happen, his team and our team almost rumbled in valet after the weigh-in!”

Notably, Mayweather dropped Corrales to his knees five times in the fight. When Corrales went down for the fifth time, his corner stopped the fight, despite Corrales’ continuous protests. The winner, Mayweather, had taken the pound-for-pound king title along with him.

On the other hand, Corrales would then go on to win four consecutive fights and later clinch the IBA and WBO super featherweight titles in 2004. Within a year, he would also add the WBO and WBC lightweight titles to his resume. However, soon he would meet an unfortunate end at the age of 29.

Corrales’ tragic accident

Corrales’ thriving career was cut short because of an unfortunate motorcycle accident. On May 7, 2007, Corrales met an unfortunate end as he got involved in a three-vehicle accident near his Las Vegas home.

That happened exactly two years to the day he put on the fight of his career against José Luis Castillo and bagged the WBC and The Ring lightweight titles. The fans still remember him to this day for his grit, guts, and never-backdown spirit.

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What do you make of this legendary and nostalgic fight between Floyd Mayweather and Diego Corrales? What is your favorite Corrales memory? Let us know in the comments below.

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