03.11.05 – Goran Dragosavac: There has been lot of talk of Acelino Freitas enforcing his mandatory fight with Corrales, and Diego’s response was: “Guy has quit against me – why should i fight him again?”. Problem is that we make too much fuss when fighter quits, and recent spate of deaths in a ring force us to review our negative attitude toward such boxers. Do they lack the “heart”, or they are far more smarter than those who put themselves on a mercy of opponent, referee, or their own corner?.
So what if Freitas quit?
He chose to fight a tough opponent, murderous puncher, and in my opinion totally wrong fight strategy. So, why denounce the fighter if he chooses the right to quit?
To fight on the outside against Corrales was a not clever strategy. However, before the last round in which he was floored, and subsequently quit – he had won most of the rounds and had significant point advantage – before running himself totally out of the gas.
In his last fight against Castillo, Corrales was convincingly beaten every round before being knocked out, so I am not convinced that he deserve third fight against Castillo any more than Freitas deserves second fight against him.
One thing is for certain – if Corrales gets knocked out yet again the “jury will be out” for him. Cumulative effect of so many knock-downs in his last matches – surely, must be taking its toll and that cannot be ignored by him, his camp and his fans.
Maybe, Corrales should take a rest from boxing, and work on a fight style that better suits his physique and is – that is to box more on outside, and to keep his opponents on the receiving end of his long-range jab. Part of the problem is – Coraless is led by his “heart” and too little by the cold, calculating fight strategy – even if the right strategy means loosing a fan or two.
So, if Corrales needs to be more calculating, then first “number” in calculation would be – who is the next?
Well, I would say… most and foremost – whoever it is – use those jabs to keep you away from the ring floor, and get well rested before you fight top competition and that include either of the two – Freitas, or Castillo.