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Corrales–Castillo off

03/06/2006

The WBC lightweight title fight between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo has been called off after Castillo failed to make the weight.

The pair were due to meet for the third time in Las Vegas, in a match-up which has already suffered problems at the weigh-in after Castillo failed to make the weight before the last bout.

Last time, a non-title fight was scheduled but this time Corrales refused, saying he wouldn't take on Castillo at the heavier weight.

"I have a wife and children and I want to see them grow up," Corrales said.

The first fight between Corrales and Castillo is regarded as one of the greatest fights of all time, with Corrales being knocked down twice in the tenth round before recovering to win the WBC title.

The bout, which was due to take place tonight, was eagerly anticipated. Both fighters were due to get $1.3m for stepping into the ring.

However, despite four attempts in two hours to make the weight limit of 135lbs, Castillo could get no closer than 139.5lbs and the fight was called off.

"I'm mortified and embarrassed by what happened here," Castillo's promoter Bob Arum said.

"It's a disgrace and if I was Corrales I wouldn't fight either."

Arum is set to lose $1 million because of the fight's cancellation, with the 8,000 ticket-holders being offered a full refund.

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