Boxing in Las Vegas: Jason Gonzalez on Chico.htm

Corrales Touched A New Fightwriter
By Jason Gonzalez

Can you believe that the man the fistic world knew as Chico is gone?

I, like the rest of us am in total disbelief over what happened.

It’s moments like this that allow us to put things in perspective and acknowledge that life is precious. Sad but true.

As an avid fan of boxing, I must admit that I have fallen victim to the concept of fighters not being human. It’s not that I question their DNA or their genetic makeup, but the fact remains that I admire a boxer’s ability to withstand punishment as well as exhibiting an ample heart when wounded in battle. It’s almost like a “super-human” power that only a certain few could posses. To give you a better idea, it’s like something you read about in comic books, in which the super-hero constantly overcomes the odds.

We got so accustomed to seeing Chico overcome the odds that we never even thought of questioning his mortality. Just like he did when he avoided the pitfalls of the mean streets of Sacramento, CA. Just like when he resumed his life and boxing career after being incarcerated in 2001. And just like he did when rose off the canvas twice to stop Jose Luis Castillo in the same round of a fight that will go down in boxing history as one for the ages. So is it true that our pugilistic hero could no longer overcome the odds? Unfortunately, yes.

Two-time world champion Jose Luis Castillo of Mexico was very saddened after learning that Diego Corrales had passed away.

"I was very surprised and upset when I heard about Chico, he said. “It really is tragic when something like this happens. My heart goes out to his family whom I know he cared a lot about. I always liked Chico. We had what I would call as a friendly rivalry whenever 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."

That seems to be the general consensus. He touched those that he competed against as well as those that he met in his everyday life. I didn’t know Chico very well but I had the privilege of meeting him a couple of times as well as seeing him fight live once (Corrales-Castillo II).

My first interaction with Chico came when he called my house back in August of 2005. I had just begun my career as a boxing writer and was desperate to interview him after witnessing his first encounter with Castillo.

I asked around, got a few numbers, made a few calls and left several messages. The following day at about 3pm EST, my house phone rings, sure enough it was Chico.

I couldn’t believe it.

As a member of the media you are taught to not show emotion or cheer, but I crossed the lines of professionalism, just a bit, I couldn’t help myself.

Chico was very receptive, articulate and very patient with the rookie. It was a pleasure talking to him and truth be told I was honored. Even over the phone you could sense the authenticity of his character. Which is more than what I can say about half the people in the business today. When the interview concluded I remember saying to myself, “Wow, this man had the professionalism to call me back. That’s hot.”

“I feel really bad about what happened,” uttered former rival Joel Casamayor, whom he fought three times. “We were rivals in the ring but towards the end we became really good friends. I have the utmost respect for Chico. He was a warrior in and out of the ring. But as of right now it’s not about boxing, it’s about life and Chico was just starting to live and enjoy his. We (Casamayor and Luis De Cubas, Jr.) were in Vegas over the weekend for the fight. We saw Chico’s wife Michelle and his beautiful daughter. We took pictures with both of them. As of right now I am not in the gym and I might not be training till next week. I am praying for his family. May he rest in peace.”

Chico’s benevolence permeated into the streams of my once close friend. In September of last year I introduced my ex-girlfriend to Chico in the media room of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Chico was going to do the commentating for the Robert Guerrero-Eric Aiken co-feature on the James Toney-Samuel Peter undercard. My ex was enamored by his cunning, vivacious, and outgoing personality. Chico charmed my ex. And I wasn’t at upset in the least bit. Quite frankly, I was flattered. The charm Chico possessed was such that it almost felt like you knew him your entire life. So much so that my ex was in a total state of disbelief when I told her the story of him being sentenced to prison for domestic violence. Her response? “Him? Really? I just don’t see it. He doesn’t seem like the type.” And all of this based on that one time she met him.

“We are really saddened by this terrible tragedy,” said five division champ Floyd Mayweather, Jr. who beat Chico back in 2001 convincingly. Chico was a great warrior with a tremendous heart. He never quit. Our hearts and prayers go out to Chico and his family. May God bless his family.”

Mayweather is right. Chico never quit, 13 times he touched the canvas, 13 times he got back up on his feet. Though he may not have beaten the 10 count this time around, you sort of get the feeling that he would have gotten up, simply, if he could. But as the cliché goes, Chico is in a much better place now.

Thank you Chico for the memories and thrills you gave us in the squared circle. And thanks as well for the joy brought to my close friend and me. I am always going to remember when you told Jim Gray in the post fight interview after the first fight with Castillo, “To please support cancer research.“ To me that was very profound. It spoke volume to simply because, you had two guys that destroyed each other for the course of ten brutal rounds. But after it was all said and done, Chico preached peace.

Chico was 29 and is survived by his pregnant wife Michelle and his six children. “Chico” finished his career with a record of 40-5 with 33 KO’s. There is no word on when the funeral service will be.

On behalf of TheSweetScience.com we would like to extend our condolences to the friends and family of Diego “Chico” Corrales. I pray that Chico is able to read this from up above. I owed him this column for a while now… God bless you brother…May you rest in peace.

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