On Saturday, 20th January 2001, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, played host to a highly anticipated WBC World Super-featherweight Title fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Diego Corrales. Mayweather, aged 23 at the time, was the reigning champion with an impressive record of 24-0, while Corrales was the challenger with a record of 33-0.
The fight began with Mayweather showcasing his superior speed and technique, landing quick jabs and hooks while avoiding Corrales' attempts to engage. Despite a height and reach disadvantage, Mayweather was able to maintain his distance and score points from the outside. Corrales, on the other hand, seemed to struggle with his timing and was unable to connect with any significant shots.
As the fight progressed, Mayweather began to assert his dominance, landing clean shots to Corrales' head and body. Corrales, known for his toughness and resilience, refused to back down and continued to push forward, trying to force Mayweather into a brawl. Mayweather, however, was too skilled and disciplined to get drawn into Corrales' game and continued to outbox him.
By the seventh round, Mayweather's dominance had become overwhelming, and he knocked Corrales down three times, mainly using his left hook. On one of the knockdowns, Corrales took a knee, and Mayweather hit him while he was down, but was not penalized. Corrales, showing great heart, managed to get up each time, but it was clear that the end was near.
In the tenth round, Mayweather continued his assault, knocking Corrales down twice more with his left hook. The referee, Richard Steele had seen enough and stopped the fight, declaring Mayweather the winner by technical knockout. The victory improved Mayweather's record to 25-0 and cemented his status as one of the best boxers of his generation.
