On Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Jose Luis Castillo proved he was the world's best 147-pound lightweight by stopping Diego Corrales with a punishing left hook in the fourth round of what was a continuation of their classic May slugfest.

But "Chico" Corrales retains his WBC and WBO lightweight straps. He should, as he was the only true lightweight in there (well, at least when they weighed in Friday afternoon he was).

Corrales always talked of having "his war," which he got the last time he faced the rugged Mexican. This time he may have gotten his Waterloo.

Call me Oliver Stone, but I get the sneaking suspicion that Castillo and his representatives never had any intention of making the 135-pound weight limit. And they might have known it long before they got to Vegas. Hey, you just don't step on the scales a day or two before the fight and find out you're heavy: a fighter's weight is monitored almost daily by trainers in most instances.

Castillo came in several pounds over and then seemingly made no effort to shed any weight. While Corrales had to sacrifice the last week or so to hit the mark, Castillo was allowed to come in comfortably without starching himself.

As the Saturday afternoon weigh-in was agreed upon, and after Castillo had to pay a $120,000 fine (10 percent of his purse, which was split by the state of Nevada and Corrales), it was negotiated that Castillo could weigh no more than 147 pounds, and each pound over that would cost him an additional 75 grand.

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I saw that fight as well as the first one. Castillo did look a lot stronger than Corrales. It was a totally different fight than the first one. I don't know if the weight was the key factor, but I don't think they should be allowed to fight period if they can't make weight. This is a mark on Corrales record that may or may not have been they had Castillo made weight. I guess we'll see in the 3rd fight.

I saw that fight as well as the first one. Castillo did look a lot stronger than Corrales. It was a totally different fight than the first one. I don't know if the weight was the key factor, but I don't think they should be allowed to fight period if they can't make weight. This is a mark on Corrales record that may or may not have been they had Castillo made weight. I guess we'll see in the 3rd fight.

I also agree that if fighters don´t make weight then the fight should be called off. Castillo claimed that a rib injury forced him not to train as hard. Still there is no question that a 12 pound weight gain gives him a serious advantage. Both fighters were equal the 1st time around, so I think it raises eyebrows that Castillo was so much stronger only a few months later.

That 12 pounds made a big difference especiall if Corrales struggled to get down that last week because that would mean he'd have to take weight off fast and would wind up losing not only some fat but muscle also meaning he'd come in a weaker and a lot weaker than a dude that not only didn't drop weight but probably got to bulk up some at 147... and coming in heavy is inexcusable especially with your weight being checked daily....Castillo wanted an edge and got it...Castillo should have paid the fine and fight cancelled until a later date....


MississippiRed

I can tell you from just me sparring that a 12 pound weight difference can be very telling in a fight. If you lose alot of weight in a short time period you are bound to lose some of your power.

That 12 pounds made a big difference especiall if Corrales struggled to get down that last week because that would mean he'd have to take weight off fast and would wind up losing not only some fat but muscle also meaning he'd come in a weaker and a lot weaker than a dude that not only didn't drop weight but probably got to bulk up some at 147... and coming in heavy is inexcusable especially with your weight being checked daily....Castillo wanted an edge and got it...Castillo should have paid the fine and fight cancelled until a later date....


MississippiRed

Absolutely brother Red! Also Castillo has been a lightweight his entire career. I´ve never heard of him struggling to make weight before...why now? Like you said, he wanted an edge, and he got it!

I can tell you from just me sparring that a 12 pound weight difference can be very telling in a fight. If you lose alot of weight in a short time period you are bound to lose some of your power.

Ditto........