05.05.05 – In a highly anticipated match-up and Fight of the Year candidate, the two best 135-pound boxers in the world will square off when two-time WBC champion Jose Luis Castillo (52-6-1, 45 KOs) takes on WBO champion Diego “Chico” Corrales (39-2, 33 KOs) in a world lightweight title unification bout Saturday, May 7, 2005, on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).. In the co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, talented Juan Manuel Marquez (43-2-1, 33 KOs) will defend his IBF/WBA featherweight titles against Victor Polo (34-4-3, 21 KOs), who is the WBA No. 5 featherweight contender.
“If Corrales really wants to exchange like he has been saying, this is really going to be a quick fight. Corrales is a dangerous fighter and one of the tallest fighters I have ever fought, but like I have been saying all along, the winner will be the one strongest and most well-prepared.
“I have had a great camp. I can’t wait for Saturday.”
DIEGO CORRALES
“The time for questions and speculation is over. I am here to do what I do, and that is to defend my title and unify the lightweight division. There is no way that this will not be a great fight.”
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Victor Polo is a very intelligent, strong fighter who I know is going to enter the ring very, very determined. But as determined he will be to finally win the title, I will be even more determined to keep it.
“People like to talk about the big fights, and who I will fight next. But all fights are big when you are a world champion, and you cannot afford to underestimate anybody. For me, Victor Polo is my future. Before I can think about anybody else, I have to win Saturday.”
VICTOR POLO
“I am 35 and know I am running out of chances, which is why I prepared harder and longer for this fight than ever before. I have lost so many close decisions in world title fights. It would be easy to be get frustrated and feel sorry for myself. But boxing is my job and I only focus on my next fight. You canÔ’t change the past.
“Marquez is a great champion, but he is no better than any of the other four world champions I have fought. I gave a great performance in each of those fights, and I am going to make another great performance on Saturday. If the people think Marquez is in for an easy fight, they are wrong. I am ready for the fight of my life.”