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May 23, 2004
"Pretty Boy" passes the test, ready to take all comers at 140
Ringside Report with HUGE Photo Gallery
by
Bill Emes - Ringside
Atlantic City - In a 12 round lopsided affair, Floyd Mayweather Jr. pounded out a unanimous decision over DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley, passing the test in his junior welterweight debut, and staking his claim for a position atop the pound for pound rankings. Mayweather, who moved his record to a perfect 32-0, looked very natural at 140, blending his impressive speed and agility with accurate power shots and combinations. Corley, who moves to 28-3-1 after the loss, had his chances, but didn't seem to have the answers as the rounds progressed.
"He has the power to handle 140," said Corley after the fight. And that was apparent. Corley officially visited the canvas twice, once in round 8, and again in round 10. Both times, Corley was over-powered by accurate barrages by the more active Mayweather.
"He hit me with a good shot in the fourth, but this is boxing," said Mayweather in the post fight press conference. And it was a nice flush left that momentarily stunned Mayweather along the ropes. Corley continued to work Floyd on the ropes after the blow, but Floyd showed great poise and shook it off, as he knocked Corley back with a left. And while Corley fought in spurts beyond that, ultimately it was at that point where "Pretty Boy" took control for the remainder.
The judges scorecards were in-line with the lopsided view from ringside, as they had it 119-107, 119-108, and 118-108.
LEGAL PROBLEMS AHEAD?
Aside from Floyd's pending legal troubles outside of the ring concerning a domestic dispute incident, it appears that he may soon be embroiled in a legal dispute with his promoter, Bob Arum. Arum addressed the media prior to Floyd arriving at the post fight.
"Floyd evidently didn't get his law degree from Harvard," stated Arum, when questioned about this being Mayweathers' final fight with Top Rank. "We have an ongoing contract." This of course conflicts what Mayweather has been stating all week, that this is the final fight of his contract with Top Rank. "Bob gets the first crack," added Mayweather, who answered questions as to who his management would be going forward.
WHO'S NEXT?
Mayweather has openly called out Arturo Gatti on several occasions in the past and did so again tonight. He sees a fight with Gatti as a pay-per-view blockbuster event and a chance to further his claim as boxings pound for pound best. Other opponents out there for Mayweather that would deserve consideration would have to be Sharmba Mitchell, Zab Judah, and even a potential matchup at 147 versus champion Cory Spinks.
As for Gatti, he will have a chance to answer Mayweather this Tuesday, at a press conference in New York City to make official his upcoming July 24th bout with Leonard Dorin.
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THE UNDERCARD
Coming off the first loss of his pro career earlier this year, top 154-lb prospect Anthony "The Messenger" Thompson rebounded convincingly as he scored a 8-round unanimous decision by scores of 80-72 (twice) and 78-74 over Jason Naugler.
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