Interview: DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley

Photo: Tom Casino

By Ed Ludwig

08.07 - WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion DeMarcus Corley is set to make the next defense of his title on Saturday July 12 against former IBF title-holder Zab Judah. Saying there is bad blood between the two is an understatement. Both men are on the top of their game and the fight this weekend is very intriguing for many reasons. There is legitimate dislike for each other and that alone makes this very appealing. For Corley this is his opportunity to shake the Jr. Varsity image bestowed on him by Sharmba Mitchell. Judah on the other hand is trying to shake the memories of his crushing defeat to Kostya Tszyu. This fight will no doubt make one fighter and break the other. It is a must win for both and a loss for either will be very hard to overcome. The media will praise the winner and the loser will more than likely take a lot of criticism that won’t be deserved. In my opinion if there was ever a must win fight then this is it. At this point credibility means more than a title. Bragging rights are on the line and this could pave the way for some very big paydays. I would like to thank DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley for taking the time to speak with Eastside Boxing.

Ed Ludwig: What happened at the recent press conference with Zab Judah?

DeMarcus Corley: Judah hit me with a sucker punch. He’s a boy in a man’s body. His time will come.

EL: How has training camp been and do you think Judah’s inactivity will be a factor at all?

DC: Training camp went very well and I’m ready to go and as for Judah’s inactivity it all depends on how he deals with it. It could be a problem but if he overcomes it then I’m sure he will be fine.

EL: This fight coming up on Saturday is somewhat of a make or break fight for you. A victory will propel you into the limelight and it should prove to Sharmba Mitchell that you are not at the Jr. Varsity level as he put it in an interview I had with him. Do you agree?

DC: In Mitchell’s book I’ll always be a “C” class fighter or Jr. Varsity. Kostya Tszyu and Mitchell are talking about fighting in February now and hopefully I’ll knock Zab out and get the fight with Tszyu. It’s all about the belts because I’m chasing the belts.

EL: Providing you beat Judah and Tszyu and Mitchell eventually settle their score do you have any idea of what you will do?

DC: If Souleymane M’Baye knocks off Vivian Harris then I’ll fight him for the WBA title. The winner of Tszyu and Mitchell is my ultimate goal.

EL: Your fight is the co-feature to the Ricardo Mayorga vs. Vernon Forrest rematch. Do you have a prediction?

DC: No prediction but if Vernon goes out there and boxes the way he is supposed to then I think he can win his titles back. If he’s goes out there and gets in the clinches and bangs with Mayorga then it will be a short night. Vernon has to go out there and box and it’s something he knows how to do real good but when you get caught up in the hype and with the crowd and his corner telling him to stand there in front of Mayorga then he will get caught. Vernon has to fight smart.

EL: How come Zab Judah shows so much disrespect towards you?

DC: I think part of it has to do where he is from in New York. All New Yorkers are like that. They put themselves on a higher pedestal and they think they are better then everybody else.

EL: After the fight on Saturday and regardless of who wins I was wondering if Zab walks over to you after the fight and congratulates you and offers to shake your hand will you accept that or has the damage been done?

DC: No. I won’t accept it.

EL: Leading up to this you have been very low key. Is the trash talking not your style?

DC: I’m a quiet person but I’ll do some verbal jabbing when it is time for me to fight. I know what I’m going to do. Fighting in Las Vegas gives me more motivation because I love the spotlight. It will be a great fight and I will win by knock out.

EL: How are you feeling physically right now?

DC: I feel great. My weight is between a 143 to 146 pounds.

EL: What are you expecting from Zab once the opening bell rings?

DC: He will be cautious and he won’t come at me. I have to fight my fight and take care of business when the time presents itself.

EL: Interviews and press conferences can be very demanding and take up a lot of time leading up to a nationally televised card. Is it a bit much for you at times?

DC: Nope, it relaxes me and I like to do it.

EL: Is there anything you would like to pass on to your fans?

DC: Check out my uniform. You never know what to expect when I come to the ring. I have signed with a company called Vizion Apparel and they make all my boxing shoes and ring apparel. They have a website www.vizionapparel.com and you can order great merchandise. For more information fans can contact Amity Zaprowski at amity@vizionapparel.com. After the fight we are going to auction off the uniform. It is beautiful.

EL: The website is great as there is all kinds of clothes for men, women and children. Fans and athletes can place orders and I like the fact they take custom orders. It’s nice to see a company cater to everyone. I want to thank you for speaking with Eastside Boxing and all the best to you this Saturday night.

DC: It was nice talking to you again. Thanks a lot.

Vizion, Inc. Joins the Corner of WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion Demarcus "Chop Chop" Corley

Vizion, Inc. a leading designer, developer and marketer of private label apparel and WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley announce their union to develop, design and showcase the Vizion athletic and lifestyle apparel brand. Chop Chop will be wearing Vizion apparel and custom fight shoes in his upcoming championship title defense. The co-Main Event will be broadcast live on Showtime/HBO, Saturday, July 12 live at 10:30 pm at the Orleans Casino.

Chop Chop known by Don King as SKD (Something Kind of Different) has found a "perfect synergy with Vizion apparel," said Ryan Durishin Director of Business Development for Marketing Vision Partners (MVP), the representative company for Chop Chop in marketing and branding initiatives. Vizion, Inc. has taken a quantum leap in expanding the Vizion brand by endorsing Chop Chop.

The biggest surprise to Vizion has been the buzz created by his custom boxing shoes. "I have been taking phone calls from boxers all over that want boxing shoes to match their trunks, from William Joppy to Clarence Vinson, our factory can't keep up, and Chop Chop hasn't even made a national appearance yet." said Amity Zaprowski, Public Relations Director for Vizion. As a result, Vizion is starting their own line of boxing shoes available nationwide this fall.

"Vizion apparel not only provides the highest quality apparel I've worn, but within it's brand I am able to be myself; being able to customize colors, materials and designs I am able to say who I am in what I wear," said Chop Chop.

"Chop Chop's allure is a good match for Vizion's design team," said Design Director, Gretchen Masciarelli. Vizion, Inc. will design and develop all of the competitive (i.e. trunks, boxing shoes, corner jackets, etc.) and training apparel (i.e. customized sweat suits, t-shirt's, training shoes, etc.) consistent with the personality and customized design requirements of Chop Chop.

Tim Butler, President and CEO of Vizion said. "Chop is a great Champion striving to be the best at what he does which is consistent with our work ethic. Working with an athlete of his stature is something Vizion is pleased to be a part of. His mentality as a champion and as a person provided the perfect forum to enhance the visibility of the Vizion brand. The customizing desire of Chop Chop allows Vizion to showcase our flexibility and diversity in our brand and we look forward to growing together."

About Chop Chop
The Washington, DC native is the WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion. Since obtaining the belt he has defended his title twice and plans to defend his title a third time in late April or early May. Chop Chop has a record of 28-1-1 with 16 KO's. He is promoted by Don King and managed by Gary Lee and Kirk Cashwell.

About Vizion
Founded in 1999, Vizion, Inc. is a worldwide leader in designing, developing and marketing athletic and lifestyle apparel. Corporate headquarters are located in Norwell, Massachusetts, just south of Boston. Vizion, Inc. launched its own apparel line in 2002, and continues to be a leading designer and manufacturer for private label apparel. Visit us at www.vizionapparel.com for additional corporate information.