You are in > manchester.com  > News > Corrales killed in bike crash

Boxing

Corrales killed in bike crash

08/05/2007

Former two-weight world champion boxer Diego Corrales has died in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas aged 29.

The Californian lightweight, who will be best remembered for his epic win against Jose Luis Castillo two years ago, was apparently driving at high speed when his vehicle crashed into a car a few miles west of the Strip.

His death ends a career that was dappled with controversy and thrilling contests in equal measure.

In his career-defining fight in 2005, Corrales dragged himself off the canvas against Castillo to force an incredible tenth-round stoppage victory.

The fight was named by the Boxing Writers Association of America and numerous boxing publications as the fight of the year and ensured a brief revival of fortunes for the fighter.

He had previously been jailed on a domestic abuse charge in 2001, shortly after suffering his first career defeat to Floyd Mayweather in a super-featherweight unification fight.

And his career had looked on the slide in recent years after he was defeated on his last three outings.

His final record was 40 wins, 33 via knockouts, and five defeats.

Promoter Gary Shaw said boxing has lost "one of the most exciting fighters in the ring".

"He always gave the fans their money's worth - he was a true warrior," Shaw said.

"He was what boxing stood for, and what boxing is all about. My heart goes out to his wife and kids."

© Adfero Ltd