By: Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
PHOTO: NAOKI FUKUDABoxing buried one of its most beloved champions Tuesday afternoon, as former two-division world titleholder Diego Corrales was peacefully laid to rest following last week’s tragic motorcycle accident that claimed the life of the legendary fighter.
Known for his lethal punching power and warrior’s heart, Corrales will also be remembered for being a caring and special person, who lived life to the fullest and, unfortunately, treated each day as if it was his last.
That savagely reckless approach to life, while contributing greatly to his boxing prowess also led to his ultimate, and way too soon, demise.
Ironically, the attributes that made Corrales one of the most popular and exciting fighters in all of boxing, and provided the Californian born slugger with million dollar fight purses and a well-earned badge of honor and respect, was not enough to protect Corrales during his toughest battles of all; the constant fight with his demons outside the boxing ring.
Always a fighter, Corrales never relented, never stopped pursuing and never didn’t get up after getting knocked down to the canvas; sadly our friend’s final bout, within himself, proved to be fatal.
Diego “Chico” Corrales, 29, leaves behind a very supportive wife, Michelle, who is seven months pregnant, and five children.
One of the many tattoos etched over the left side of the chest of Diego’s lanky, 5’11” and 149-pound frame was the script emblazoned “Pain For Love”. While there was much pain endured in the fast lane life of Diego Corrales, there was also an abundance of love.
Rest well Champ, we love you and miss you.