From the archive · June 17, 2000
Diego Corrales vs Justin Juuko
IBA World Super Featherweight Title · Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Record 31-0-0 · 130 lb
Record 34-3-1 · 129½ lb

The fight
Diego Corrales (32-0, 26 KOs) maintained his unbeaten record at Los Angeles' Staples Center on June 17, 2000, stopping Justin Juuko (129 lbs) in ten gruelling rounds. The victory marked Corrales' first IBA super featherweight title defence, though his IBF belt wasn't at stake due to Juuko's ranking position.
Despite Corrales' reputation for early finishes (25 KOs in 31 wins), Juuko forced a competitive battle reflected in judge Gary Merritt's 85-85 card through nine rounds. The other officials, Chuck Hassett and Marshall Walker had Corrales ahead 88-82 when referee Marty Denkin stopped the contest at 2:35 of the tenth.
Juuko later revealed fighting through a shoulder injury he concealed from trainer Freddie Roach while noting Corrales' face bore significant damage when they met the following day. The 22-year-old Corrales' size and power eventually proved decisive, though Juuko's technical skills tested the young champion in what Juuko considered his toughest career fight.
The victory extended Corrales' knockout percentage to 81%, just three months after his previous outing and set up more significant challenges in the 130-pound division.