DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley's Resurrection in the Jr. Welterweight Division
DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (39-19-1 23 KO’s) has been in with the very best the Jr. Welterweight division has to offer. The former WBO champion has faced off with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, and Zab Judah to name just a few of the world class fighters he’s fought.
Most people in boxing thought that his time as a top contender had come and gone after he suffered six straight losses. It seemed he would forever be relegated to journyman status.
DeMarcus was not discouraged by the losses and kept in shape and in the gym, so when he got the call to face rising prospect Gabriel Bracero (19-1 3 KO’s), he was ready.
DeMarcus seemed to turn back the clock that night in January of this year and the 37-year-old fighter looked more like a 27-year-old. He dropped his much younger and favored opponent three times en route to a unanimous decision win.
Next up for the Washington, D.C., native Corley was Ireland’s Paul McCloskey (23-2 12 KO’s), a slick fighter whose only loss was suffered at the hands of Amir Khan. McCloskey, who coming into the fight was the odds on favorite to win, was riding high after defeating Amir Khan conqueror Breidis Prescott.
From the onset of the match, it appeared to be Corley’s night. Although he was fighting in McCloskey’s backyard, it had no effect on the former champ who has grown accustomed to fighting on the road.
Throughout the fight, Corley was in control busting up his opponent with right hooks and overhand lefts. In the 10th round, without having been dropped, the fight was stopped as McCloskey was out on his feet.
Now it seems the man who promoters were eager to have their young prospects fight can’t find an opponent.
When fellow Washingtonian and IBF titleholder Lamont Peterson failed his pre-fight drug screen prior to his Amir Khan rematch, Corley volunteered his services but was denied. “I ain’t got no problems with going right (back) to the gym tomorrow if they want to do the fight,” Corley told Boxingtalk.com in May.
Soon after he offered to step in to fight Karim Mayfield, who was in need of an opponent for an August 17th date on ESPN. “I am hearing and reading that this Mayfield guy is looking for an opponent, “ Corely said in a July press release from his promoter Dibella Entertainment. “If he wants the fight, let’s make it happen. It’s that simple.” Mayfield apparently did not want the fight and pulled out of the card with an injury.
There seems to be a logjam of talent in the Jr. Welterweight division with everyone in the top 10 positioning themselves for a title shot. It may be awhile before Corley gets his chance at another championship.
It also may be long time before another promoter is willing to put their prospect in with the seemingly resurrected Corley.
You can follow Michael Walters on Twitter @MWalters202
