This past May, boxer Diego Corrales (above) died in a high-speed motorcycle crash here in Las Vegas. He'd been drinking and was driving without a valid license -- trying to outrun his demons, I guess, whatever they were.
Exactly two years to the day before his death he fought one of the most remarkable fights in modern boxing history against Jose Luis Castillo. I was there. Here's my report of the fight, written the day afterwards, reprinted as a tribute to a man who lived out his "crowded hour" with distinction, honoring everyone who was privileged to see it:
CORRALES-CASTILLO
8 May 2005
They're already calling it a classic, one for the ages, the fight of the year -- a year which isn't even half over and which has also seen the recent epic combat between Morales and Pacquiao.
If you're a member of the Fancy you know I'm talking about the awesome battle between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas last night. If you're not, take a look at a rebroadcast or tape of the fight sometime and try to believe your eyes. I saw it in person, and I still don't believe mine . . .
For the rest of the report on Corrales-Castillo, go here.
For all previous boxing reports, go here.