23.04 - Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Diego "Chico" Corrales prior to him boarding the plane en route to Gulfport Mississippi. Corrales (35-1 29 KO's) will now face late replacement Felix "The Cat" St. Kitts (12-3-2 7 KO's) in the main event of the ShoBox double feature that will also have undefeated Ishe Smith in the co-main event. Showtime will be televising the twin bill this Thursday at 11 pm eastern. I would like to thank Diego for speaking with Eastside Boxing.

Ed Ludwig: How was training camp for you?

Diego Corrales: I am ready as I ever will be. Lot of preparation and hard work went into it and I'm glad it's over. Just trying to get my self in championship form. My wife is glad it's over because I'm not home much and out three times a day because of training.

EL: Have you been disappointed that your last two fights have not gone very many rounds? I could tell you were angry about the Cassiani fight.

DC: I felt he took a cheap way out and I was not very happy about it.

EL: Assuming everything goes well this Thursday what do you hope for in the near future?

DC: Leonard Dorin and Paul Spadafora are getting ready to fight each other and with that fight happening that narrows down my plan of attack so I will have to make my run and go after Artur Grigorian for the WBO title and go from there.

EL: Any prediction for Dorin vs. Spadafora?

DC: No, not at all. Dorin is the "Rocky" of the sport. He will keep punching and coming forward so Spadafora will have to work hard and keep him off by using his jab. I don't want to put myself on the line and pick a winner there.

EL: Style wise do you see yourself matching up better with Dorin or Spadafora?

DC: Style wise both are awesome but I would say fighting Spadafora would be more exciting for the fans. If anything he makes it more exciting for the fans plus I have fought many southpaws and none of them have made it past four rounds with me. Dorin being a short guy cuts easy and pushes forward and I'm sure the fans would prefer that one. Normally the guys who don't back up are the ones you can make back up by using straight hard right hands and uppercuts. They can't get any balance and they keep turning around and I love it.

EL: Did you see the Mayweather - Sosa fight on the weekend?

DC: I did, I had to watch my investment. I thought the scoring was closer then how the judges had it. Things are being narrowed down with Dorin and Spadafora meeting soon and I will eventually get a rematch with Mayweather. I had a mental goal but Dorin and Spadafora threw a monkey wrench into that.

EL: Angel Manfredy and Victoriano Sosa were scheduled to fight each other on two occasions before it fell through. If it did happen whom do you think would have won?

DC: Manfredy because he is a very sharp puncher, not solid or heavy but very clean puncher and that always makes a difference.

EL: We always hear fighters calling each other out so why doesn't anyone ever call you out?

DC: To tell you the honest truth and it may sound a little conceited and I hope people don't take it that way but I am a genuine threat and not many people want to fight me because I am a dangerous person. I can box and punch and a big threat so that is why you won't hear my name called out.

EL: Max Kellerman often plugs the Ring Magazine rankings. Do you pay much attention to that?

DC: There is a bad thing about the sanctioning bodies and they always look at it from a business point of view and for the Ring I would say it's a little less biased. There are a lot of guys who deserve title and shots and wont get them. The IBF forced me to face my mandatory John Brown and certain fighters are not of the same calibre as others.

EL: Oscar De La Hoya and Yory Boy Campas are scheduled to meet on May 3rd. In the year of upsets thus far it is also the year of mismatches. What are your thoughts on this upcoming battle?

DC: I think if anything Campas can make it a tough fight for De La Hoya. I'm not sure why there are not many good fights being made. Part of it has to do with the champions and then the promoters. There are many talented people out there but it all comes down to the fighter and promoter. The best should be fighting the best.

EL: During the course of your career have you been put in a situation where you thought a fight of yours would be a complete mismatch and you did not want any part of it?

DC: No, I can't say that I have. I know all of my fights had the potential to be a loss. That's what makes things exciting for me and I need that excitement knowing that I could lose. You need that bit of fear, anticipation and nerve. You need that or you will lose your drive.

EL: As always it has been great speaking with you and thanks very much for your time.

DC: Thank you and I will talk to you again soon.

Questions Or Comments: ed.ludwig@eastsideboxing.com