Diego Corrales Killed in Auto Accident

The fight world has suffered a great loss with the passing of 29-year-old former super featherweight and lightweight boxing champion, Diego “Chico” Corrales. He was killed in a motorcycle accident early Monday evening in Las Vegas. According to reports, Corrales was traveling at a very high rate of speed when he collided with the back of a car. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

While his life was cut short by a tragic turn of events, Corrales was also no stranger to tragedy in his teenage years. The son of a Columbian father and Mexican mother, Chico was raised in Sacramento, CA and soon found himself running with street gangs. This culminated with him witnessing his best friend’s death via drive-by shooting at age 13.

Afterwards, he turned to boxing as a release for his anger and showed an aptitude for the sport. As an amateur, he compiled a record of 105-12. In 1995, he captured a bronze medal at the 1995 Pan American Games.

After turning pro, he gained attention when he knocked out previously unbeaten Robert Garcia to capture the IBF 130-pound crown. He then successfully defended the title 4 times, scoring wins over the likes of Angel Manfredy, Justin Juuko, Derrick Gainer and John Brown.

With a record of 33-0, Corrales challenged Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the WBC super featherweight title. Corrales was knocked down 5 times, and his corner was forced to stop the fight in the tenth round. This was not only his first defeat, but also the first time that he had been knocked down in his career.

After being accused of assault against his pregnant ex-wife, Corrales accepted a plea bargain and spent the next 14 months in prison. After a lengthy layoff of over two years, Chico would return to the ring and beat respected fighters like Joel Casamayor and Acelino Freitas.

In 2005, he had the biggest win of his career after climbing off of the canvas to score a 10th round TKO on Jose Luis Castillo. With his left eye almost completely shut and having already been knocked down twice in the round, Corrales exhibited the kind of heart and never-say-die attitude which defined his career.

Sadly, this win would be the last high note in Corrales’ career. He was knocked out in 4 round by Castillo in the rematch, and then failed to make weight and lost a split decision to Joel Casamayor. His final fight saw Chico move up to welterweight and take on Joshua Clottey. Corrales was knocked down twice and lost a unanimous decision.

His career record was 40-5, with 33 wins coming by knockout. He is survived by his wife, Michelle, and the couple were residing in Las Vegas at the time of his death.

Corrales was the kind of fighter (like Arturo Gatti) that always wanted to give the fans everything that he had. His knockout power coupled with a tendency to stand and trade made him a sensation in the boxing world. And even though his career was winding down, there’s no doubt that Chico still had some excitement left to give.

Rest in peace, Chico. You will be missed.

Diego Corrales Killed in Auto Accident