R.I.P.                                               

DIEGO "CHICO" CORRALES

all photos are ©2007 by MARY ANN OWEN

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Kieran Mulvaney's open letter to Diego boxinginlasvegas.com/Reuters                                                                   

Jason "J-Gon" Gonzalez secondsout.com

Amy Green Boxinginlasvegas.com

Kevin Iole Yahoosports.com

RBF "Retired Boxers Foundation" Alex Ramos

"Big" Jeff Grmoja-Silverhawk Boxing

Warriors Boxing

Celenia Figueroa  Mother of a Heart transplant patient that Chico became friends with

SOME OTHER COMMENTS

Like everyone else in boxing, we are stunned and saddened at the tragic death of Diego Corrales. Years ago we helped launch Diego's boxing career and promoted many fights for him including his first championship bout. Diego was a class person who we were very fond of. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Michelle and the rest of his family.
May he rest in peace.

Bob Arum
CEO/Top Rank

Tony Weeks who refereed Corrales/Castillo 1

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of Diego Corrales. I can remember and will never forget the honor and privilege of officiating two of Diego's fights. The most memorable of the two for me was the first fight with Jose Luis Castillo in which Diego got up after two knockdowns in the 10th round to stop Castillo! He was absolutely an amazing fighter. I only knew Diego inside the boxing ring and during those times, he always conducted himself as a Champion. He will truly be missed and always will be in my heart
"A Champion Forever...."

Jose Sulaiman, President of the WBC

MOURNING FOR DIEGO CORRALES

Hearing the sad news of Diego Corrales’ death last night, the WBC declares a day of worldwide mourning in our sport, and sends its sincere condolences to the former lightweight and super featherweight world champions family.
Corrales, 29 years old, died on a highway close to Las Vegas while riding his motorcycle.
Also known as “Chico,” he was born in South Carolina and grew up in Sacramento, California.
He started in professional boxing in 1996 and just held his last fight on April 7, losing by decision to Joshua Clottey.
Corrales, whose power, determination, and heart were his best-known characteristics, won by knockout 33 times in a total of 40 wins with five losses.
Some of his best wins came against Jose Luis Castillo, Acelino Freitas, Joel Casamayor, Derrick Gainer, and Gary St. Clair, among others.
Rest in Peace, this man who was a great boxer!
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Mayweather expresses condolences to the Corrales family

"Boxing has lost a great warrior and a gifted athlete. Diego Corrales had the heart of a champion, and while we were competitors in the ring, he was someone who I greatly respected and will be remembered for his spirit and passion in and out of the ring. The boxing community lost a great champion this week and he will be truly missed. My condolences go out to his wife Michelle, his five children and the rest of his family and friends."

Floyd Mayweather
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Jose Luis Castillo Statement

Two time world champion Jose Luis Castillo of Mexico was very saddened today after learning that Diego Corrales had passed away in a motorcycle accident. "I was very surprised and upset when I heard about Chico. It really is tragic when something like this happens. My heart goes out to his family who I know he cared a lot about. I always liked Chico. We had what I would call as a friendly rivalry when we got into the ring. We had two amazing fights and our names will be linked forever. For me it was a privilege of knowing Chico and being part of such great fights."
Castillo is currently training in Mexico, getting set for his bout vs. Ricky Hatton at the Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, on June 23.
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CLASSY CLOTTEY PHONES BT FROM AFRICA TO EXTEND CONDOLENCES TO CORRALES FAMILY
By G. Leon
Boxingtalk.com

World class welterweight Joshua Clottey, the last man to share a ring with former two-division champion Diego "Chico" Corrales, showed he's all class as he contacted Boxingtalk from Africa moments ago. Clottey had just heard the tragic news that Corrales, 29, was involved in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas and was pronounced dead at the scene. "I am devastated by this," said Clottey. "I am very sad and I want his family to know that I have love for them and I am here if they need me. Diego was a true warrior and this is a very sad day for me." Clottey defeated Corrales over ten brutal rounds barely a month ago.
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IBF flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan contacted Fightnews.com to express his sorrow at hearing of the death of his friend Diego "Chico" Corrales. Darchinyan stated. "It is a tragedy that such a great boxer and good friend should die at such a young age. I met and trained with Diego on two different occasions while I was training for fights in the USA. He was training for Jose Luis Castillo. He was a true gentleman and outstanding champion. I would like to offer my condolences to his family and friends. He was a good man
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From Angel and Yvette Manfredy

It's been quite a long time since we've talked. Angel and I just would like to offer our Prayer's to Diego's family and friends. Diego was such a pleasant and polite individual. I remember at a Hall of Fame weekend when he signed an autograph picture with my son and gave nothing but good words to little Angel about his dad as a fighter. He will definitely be missed. Tell everyone we say hi and also keep Angel in your prayers he isn't doing to well these days but we will save that conversation for another time.  Hope everything is well with you and Butch, give him a hug for me.  Once again the world will miss a great man, dad and champion.
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From Art Pelullo, Banner Promotions

I was saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Diego. I was very proud to be associated with such a great warrior and was proud to be the co-promoter of his epic fight with Jose Luis Castillo. My wife and I send our Love and our Prayers to his wife Michelle and all of the children.
Remember, the last perfect man was 2000 years ago and he died on the cross.
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Edison Miranda Statement

After his weigh in, Pantera issued a statement related to the tragic death of Diego Corrales. "I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of Diego Corrales. I had the opportunity to meet Chico. He was a great person and a true warrior in the ring."
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"This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with Diego's family and friends," said promoter Frank Warren. "I remember when he came to Britain just after he had fought Castillo, and climbed into the ring before Ricky Hatton fought Kostya Tyszu in Manchester in June 2005. The reception he received from the crowd that night was amazing, and showed fight fans all over the world loved his bravery and his aggressive style of fighting. Outside the ropes he was a real charmer. Boxing has lost one of its stars."
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"This is a horrible tragedy and a very sad day for boxing," said TV executive Ken Hershman. "We lost not only one of the most determined and competitive fighters of a generation, but also a friend. Having worked with him for many years, on so many important events for the sport, I can say that Diego was a gentleman and a champion both in and out of the ring."
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Jill Diamond. WBC/NABF

"Big people leave big holes in our lifes"
RIP Chico

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