Exclusive Interview by James Slater: In the opinion of most, former WBO light-welterweight champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley was badly done by in his last fight. Knocking down the unbeaten Hector Sanchez in the 3rd round back on April 10th, southpaw Corley appeared to have also done enough to have clinched the decision after 8 rounds. It was not to be and the much younger man was awarded a UD. But now, less than a month after the “loss,” the 34-year-old has another fight scheduled.
Set to take on one Sidney Siqueira in Kazakhstan on May 9th, Corley is looking for a win and he is also looking ahead to a world title shot later this year. Very kindly taking time out to speak to me over the phone from his training camp earlier today, the 33-11-1(19) warrior from Washington D.C had the following answers to my questions..
James Slater: Thanks very much for talking to me, champ. First of all, your last fight, against Hector Sanchez – were you robbed? Most people, including me, thought you won.
DeMarcus Corley: Yeah, I was robbed. As a matter of fact, we got loads of calls after the fight – and we’re still getting calls – from people saying that I definitely won the fight.
J.S: Teddy Atlas and Oscar De La Hoya both said on air on ESPN that you won.
D.C: Yeah, I think that was the worse bad decision I’ve ever had go against me.
J.S: You’re getting back in the ring very quickly, though. Is it right you are boxing in Kazakhstan on May 9th?
D.C: Yeah, that’s the fight I’m training for right now.
J.S: Are you getting back in the ring again so fast partly because you want to get rid of the bad taste of the last fight? Are you anxious to get a W back in your win column?
D.C: Well, we were originally offered the fight we are having in Kazakhstan before we took the ESPN fight [against Sanchez].
J.S: The guy you’re facing, Sidney Siqueira (12-3-1(7) – what do you know about him?
D.C: Nothing at all (laughs). You’re the first guy to give me a name for the fight in Kazakhstan, actually.
J.S: You’ll definitely be sharp for May 9th, what with the fight being less than a month since the last one. Who have you been sparring with?
D.C: Yes, I’m ready. I’ve been sparring with a junior-middleweight, Jimmy Lange, and also another young fighter.
J.S: You’ve been extremely active lately, what is it you’re really hoping for? To get back into title contention?
D.C: Yeah, I’m hoping to get a world title shot later this year – in August.
J.S: Who are the names you are looking at, and will it be at 140?
D.C: I can fight at 135, 140 or up at 147. It don’t make no difference, I can fight at all three weights. I’d like to fight Tim Bradley, but he’s got his fight with Devon Alexander coming up. I’d also like to fight the WBA [140] champ, I can’t pronounce his last name (Andriy Kotelnik). I’d like to fight him and get his belt.
J.S: You’re clearly as ambitious as ever. As you know, you and Randall Bailey are all even at 1-1. If he wins the IBF welterweight title shot he’s due to get soon would you like a rubber-match with him?
D.C: If he wins that title, I’ll be knocking at his back door – not his front door – his back door! I’ll break that tie.
J.S: You feel great at age 34? How long do you intend to box on for?
D.C: I feel a lot stronger now than I did in my previous years. I’m eating better and taking care of myself. I think I can carry on for another three years, and retire as a world champion at age 37.
J.S: The fight in Kazakhstan – are you concerned that if the fight goes the distance you will get robbed again?
D.C: This fight won’t go the distance. I’m definitely going to stop him!
J.S: People have watched you fight all the top guys for years now, DeMarcus. You’ve given us some great fights and of course you were a world champion. Do you feel you’ve had some bad calls go against you in your career? People still talk about the controversial stoppage you suffered against Miguel Cotto.
D.C: I’ve had some bad results go against me, but it’s all going to work out for the best when I win another world title this year.
J.S: Well, we wish you best of luck with that, DeMarcus. Finally, in your expert opinion, as it’s in your weight division, who wins on May 2nd? Pacquiao or Hatton?
D.C: Manny Pacquiao is gonna win, by KO. I’d say in about 8 or 9 rounds.
J.S: Thanks very much for your time, champ. And good luck for the upcoming fight.
D.C: Okay, thank you.