Showtime Championship Boxing: Castillo vs. Corrales

In a highly anticipated match-up, the two best 135-pound boxers in the world will square off when two-time WBC lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo takes on WBO champion Diego “Chico” Corrales in a world title unification bout Saturday, May 7, 2005, on Showtime at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

JOSE LUIS CASTILLO

“You (Corrales’ team) already knocked me out and I have not even stepped into the ring yet. At least give me a chance. I am going to win.”

“Hopefully more Mexicans will make the trip to support me here in Las Vegas.”

“This fight will be like two buffaloes colliding. We are going to work the body as well as the chin. After watching tape, we noticed that Corrales does not move around a lot. He stays in the middle.  One of Corrales’ strengths is his intelligence in the ring. Some people think his constantly coming forward is a weakness. I think it is a strength.”

“I am going to move up in weight in September. I expect to fight for a few more years. I promote boxers in Mexicali. I am also into real estate.”

DIEGO CORRALES

“The internal stuff between me, Artie (Pelullo) and Gary (Shaw) is over. I have one job and that is to defend my title and unify the 135-pound division. I am here for a war. I am here for a battle. It starts in round one.

“We are so far ahead of schedule in our training. You are going to see me bring the fight to him. I do want to make this a fight. You are also going to see my really strong jab.

“Castillo is the best lightweight fighter in the division other than myself. He is a great champion and I have a lot of respect for him.”

JAY PRINCE (CORRALES)

“Castillo reminds me of a tough steak. We are going to tenderize him. We are going to cut him with whatever utensils we can find.”

JOE GOOSEN (CORRALES)

“We have been training for about a month. We have about six weeks left. I am comfortable with where we are at. We are way ahead of schedule. By the second or third round these two will be going at it. You are going to see a great fight.”