DeMarcus Corley steps up training sessions, aspires to ‘Chop’ Dexter Gonsalves’ dreams

Aug 17, 2016 Sports

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By Michael Benjamin
When Dexter Gonsalves steps into the ring to match skills with former World Boxing Association super/lightweight champion, American DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley, he will be pitting his skills against a seasoned veteran who has signaled an intention to do whatever it takes to leave the ring with his hands raised.
At least that is what Corley conveyed to Kaieteur Sport when we spoke with him at his home in Washington DC, USA yesterday afternoon. “I am back in training and can assure you that I will be at my ripping best for this fight; the Guyanese people will not be shortchanged,” Corley responded to a question from this reporter.
The America pugilist is well hyped up following a successful sojourn in Jamaica where he won all four of his fights to emerge the winner of the Contender Series. Corley had started his quest for honours with victories over Jamaicans, Michael Gardner and Richard Holmes. Two Guyanese, Iwan Azore and Revlon Lake were also his victims with the latter fighter failing to make it to the final round. “The Gonsalves bout will be a continuation of my battle against Guyanese boxers and I intend to continue my winning streak,” Corley stated.
He detailed his training regimen as extremely intense while explaining that it is a continuation of the rigorous applications of the Contender Series. “It was serious business but I truly enjoyed the Contender series; it allowed me to assess myself and establish whether I still has what it takes,” pronounced Corley.
He said that his day starts with a rigorous two hours workout in the park before returning at the gym at 14:00hrs for hardcore boxing activities. A former World Boxing Association super/lightweight champion with a 47-27-1 record,

Corley said he expects some aggression from Gonsalves but considers his experience an ace in the hole that will turn the tide in his favour. “Honestly, I know nothing of Dexter other than what I heard that he is a young and hungry fighter who packs a mean punch,” Corley revealed. “But that’s okay, I have a few surprises in store for him,” said Corley.
Quizzed on a proposed strategy, Corley was very cagey, “I have nothing specific planned as yet but the general plan is to test Dexter from the first round, make a thorough assessment and then apply the necessary adjustments.” Corley said that his coach, Tommy Galiando, is very competent and has been plugging all holes to ensure that he (Corley) not only emerges victorious but spectacularly so.
Asked to make a prediction Corley, with a 37% knockout ratio replied, “I am never good at making predictions; what I know is that if a knockout presents itself I’ll be prepared. Otherwise, I can be contented with a points win.” Nevertheless, he did promise to be in the best of condition to deal with any eventuality.
The American pugilist was a world champion from 2001 to 2003 and also went the distance with former world champions Devon Alexander and Marcos Maidana before losing to Zab Judah in 2003. Other big names on Corley’s resume include Darryl Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr among others.
Gonzalves is no slouch and he will also have his eyes set on the belt at stake. He has compiled an 8-1-2 record with a lone loss to Michel Agard in December 2006. One of his drawn decisions was against the same fighter in October of that same year while the other was against Jamaican, Mohammed Dawes in 2007. He is currently working out at the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym in James Street Albouystown and Kaieteur Sport will be monitoring his activities for a subsequent report.
Kaieteur Sport attempted to speak with Richard ‘Frog’ Holmes but the connection was broken and proved difficult to regain. We will attempt to repair this anomaly later on. The Jamaican will match gloves with Mark Austin in an 8 rounds middleweight encounter. He is in ripping form after battling his way to the finals in the just concluded Contender Series and will also be in ripping form for this month end’s clash. Just before the termination of our discussion he had informed that he is operating out of the Bruising Gym in St Andrew’s Jamaica and he was also in top shape by dint of his activity in the just concluded tournament. Two of his victims were Guyanese, Iwan Azore and a knockout victory over Xaviar Ford. He also defeated Barbadian, Miguel Antoine and has so far compiled an 11-6-0 record.
Austin is operating out of the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym and Kaieteur sport will be visiting soon to assess his progress.  Otherwise, the card remains unchanged with the opening bout bringing together Kelsey George and Charwin Estwick in a four-round super middleweight affair while Anthony Narine will make his professional debut in a four-round lightweight contest against Keeve Allicock. Imran Khan and Quincy Gomes will also go after each other in a return bout, a six-round lightweight affair.

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