Senate Resolution No. 1701

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Diego "Chico" Corrales posthumously upon
the occasion of his induction into the International
Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding professionals in the boxing industry who distinguished
themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining
unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement;
Diego "Chico" Corrales is one such individual and his life of
achievements inspired others and contributed to the respect and
admiration of the sport of boxing; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Diego "Chico" Corrales posthumously upon the occasion of his induction
into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; he will be
honored within the Modern category of boxers at the 35th Anniversary
celebration from June 6-9, 2024, in Canastota, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born on August 25, 1977 in Columbia, SC, Diego Corrales
began boxing at the age of 8 and registered a 105-12 amateur record
before turning pro in 1996; and

WHEREAS, Diego Corrales created a winning streak with a 28-0 record
before stopping Robert Garcia via 7th round TKO for the IBF super
featherweight title in 1999; he defended the title three times against
John Brown (W 12), Derrick Gainer (TKO 3) and Angel Manfredy (TKO 3);
and

WHEREAS, In addition, Diego Corrales secured a non-title win over
Justin Juuko (KO 10) before facing WBC champion Floyd Mayweather (TKO by
10) in a 2001 unification bout; and

WHEREAS, Facing Joel Casamayor in back-to-back bouts, Diego Corrales
lost via 6th round TKO in the first bout in 2003 and then the following
year, achieved a 12-round split decision win for the vacant WBO super
featherweight title; and

WHEREAS, In his next notable competition, Diego Corrales won the WBO
lightweight title with a 10th round TKO over Acelino Freitas to set up a
2005 unification bout with WBC champion Jose Luis Castillo; in the
"Fight of the Year," he scored a dramatic 10th round TKO in one of the
greatest action fights of all time; and

WHEREAS, Unsuccessful in the rematch with Castillo (KO by 4), Diego
Corrales remained WBC champion as Castillo was overweight; he lost the
belt to Casamayor (L 12) in their rubber match; and

WHEREAS, Ending his career with a professional record of 40-5 (33
KOs), Diego Corrales passed away from injuries relating to a motorcycle
accident at age 29 on May 7, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Diego Corrales clearly contributed to the spirit of
excellence which is a tradition of the International Boxing Hall of
Fame; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Diego "Chico" Corrales posthumously upon the occasion of his
induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Diego "Chico" Corrales.