The October 4, 2003 clash between Diego Corrales and Joel Casamayor at Mandalay Bay delivered the intense action expected from two elite super featherweights. Corrales, defending his IBA title and seeking IBF mandatory status, weighed 128½ pounds to Casamayor's 130.
The fight's momentum swung dramatically. Casamayor dropped Corrales in round three but lost a point for fouls in the same frame. The fourth round produced a double knockdown scenario—Corrales hit the canvas before returning the favour, sending Casamayor down.
Referee Tony Weeks ultimately halted the contest at the end of round six due to severe lacerations inside Corrales's mouth. At the time of stoppage, judges Burt A. Clements, Chuck Giampa, and Glenn Trowbridge had witnessed a fierce technical battle that featured both men's power and skill.
The victory marked a significant achievement for Casamayor, ending Corrales's IBA title reign and positioning himself in the IBF rankings. However, the manner of victory—via mouth injury—would lead to an inevitable rematch.
