Interview: DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley

Ike Enwereuzor

09.04 - WBO jr welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley of Washington, DC now (22-1-1) 12KO's is expected to make his return to the ring June 1, 2002 against former world title challenger Junior Witters in London. Event will be televised on Showtime network. This is what the champ had to say.....

How is training for your upcoming fight against Junior Witters, on June 1, 2002 in London?
Everything is going great. We're just coming from the gym. Daniel Attah was there training this morning too. Attah's a good strong fighter, I think he has a chance against Freitas.

What did you think of Zab Junior-Junior Witters fight?
I never saw the fight.

have you seen any of Witters fights?
No, I haven't seen him fight before.

Do you plan to watch his fight before your fight with him in June?
maybe.

What was your thoughts of the Tszyu-Judah bout?
Kostya maintained his game plan and press action while Zab went out there with the wrong plan so he paid for it.

What do you think of Tszyu-Tackie bout coming up?
I want Kostya to win but I know it will be a tough fight for both men. Tackie comes straight at you and Kostya comes forward also. Tackie may slow Kostya down in late rounds and knock him (Kostya) out. It will be a great fight. I still want Kostya to win so we can unify the belts.

Why do you want to fight Kostya badly?
Because if Ben tackie win the belts may split but if Kostya wins then title will be together.

What's your prediction if you had to fight Ben Tackie?
I'll win unanimous decision or knock him out late rounds but hopefully Kostya beats Tackie so we can put it on.

Please, tell our readers about your second fight with Ener Julio?
Great fight. I dropped him twice, he hit me with a couple of good shots but I came back and pick up my hand speed.

Your impression of Don King?
Don is the greatest promoter in the world. He gave me and family an opportunity to make a better life of me, you don't see that often. I signed with Don King just when I had about 8 pro fights and I had "Sugar" Ray Leonard as my manager then. Ray promised me that I will fight for world title in 4 years but that never happened untill I signed with Gary and Kirk Cashwell who promised me a world title shot in a year but they told me to be a little patience in less than a year my dreams came through, I became the WBO champ June 2001.

How did you get your ring name "Chop Chop"?
We were at Nashville, TN for the silver Gloves. I was 65lbs so one day I went to eat . You see I love to eat good food. After eating I was 75lbs. My coach was like damn "You just chopped up the food". So said he will start to call me "Chop Chop".

How many amateur fight did you have?
I had 119 wins and 18 losses

Please, describe your participation in th National Golden Gloves in 1995?
It was 6days event in Boston, Mass. I remember everyone was wearing the belt before the tournament and I was the only one who said I'll wait untill I win this belf before I could put it on my wasite.

Your favorite fighters?
My all-time fighters are Mavin Hagler, Mohammed Ali, Pernell Whitaker. My favorites today are Shane Mosley, Felix Trinidad.

What did you think of Hopkins-Trinidad? Mosley-Forrest fights?
Hopkins took "Tito" to school. Forrest frustrated Mosley and his speed.

Your thoughts on Roy Jones-Bernanrd Hopkins II?
Great fight fans want to see happen. Everyone wants to see it and I know I want to see it too. Hopkins comes up and Jones goes down. Hopkins is a different fighter today to when he fought Roy in 1993 in Washington, DC. Roy Jones is improved a lot too. They should put it on. I have no predictions.

Have you thought of moving up to 147? Is there anyone at welterweight you're dying to meeting in the ring?
First, I want to unify the 140 pound division then I would love to face Shane Mosley in the ring. I really hope Floyd Mayweather could move up more again. That's the guy I really want.

Why do you want Mayweather that Badly?
It's personal.

Could you compare your two fights with Ener Julio?
First fight was my first time to go 12 rounds. I wasn't prepared for that and I didn't know Ener then but second fight I trained for 12 rounds.

Did you predict that you'll KO Julio in your second fight?
No, Ener Julio predicted 7th round knockout. I told him he'll be getting off the canvas.

What do you want to achieve in Boxing?
I want to win the WBC and WBA belts. I don't really like how the IBF belt looks but if I win it I'll give it to my manager Kirk Cashwell. IBF belt is not beautiful, the WBA looks better.

How is your sewing business going lately?
I haven't open it in a while but I plan to going back. I'm looking forward to my next outfit.

Your favorite color?
Red

Your hobbies?
Swiming, boxing and sewing

Your favorite Food?
Chicken

Favorite movies?
Action movies

What do you want tp tell us about your upcoming fight in London June 1 against Junior Witters?
It's going to be another exciting night. We're training very hard for this fight, coming to London to put on a great show and I must thank Don King and Showtime for this opportunity once again. I'll be having my birthday party June 3, after the fight.

What do you want to tell Witters now?
Better be in the best shape of your life because we're coming to chop you down. I come to fight so better be prepared.

Special thank to Mr Kirk Cashwell for hooking up this interview