Corley predicts Tszyu KO!

January 8, 2004

By Ray Wheatley -- World of Boxing

Kostya Tszyu, his father Boris and trainer John Lewis at workout earlier today Photo: Ray Wheatley

Former WBO jr welterweight champion Demarcus "Chop Chop" Corley arrived in Sydney, Australia on December 23 to work as a sparring partner for unified 140 pound champion Kostya Tszyu as he prepares to defend the championship against Sharmba Mitchell in Moscow, Russia on February 7th. Corley spoke to Fightnews.com and gave an interview giving his prediction on the Tszyu vs Mitchell showdown - a possible Tszyu vs Spinks 147 pound title fight and a return bout with Zab Judah.

You have been sparring with Tszyu for 14 days - is the champ performing well in training?
Yes, Tszyu is very sharp. He will be ready for Sharmba Michell on February 7 in Moscow.

What do you feel Tszyu does best?
He does everything well. The power he has shown in sparring is awesome. He does not waste a punch. Tszyu is a great boxer.

What is your prediction of the Kostya Tszyu vs Sharmba Michell in Moscow on February 7?
Tszyu will have no problems in defeating Mitchell. I know Sharmba very well - we have sparred many rounds. I see Tszyu solving the southpaw style of Mitchell in one or two rounds and then despatching him by round six or seven.

Do you see the great hand speed of Mitchell being a problem for Tszyu?
Maybe for one or two rounds but when Kostya finds the range - he will dominate Mitchell and then score a knockout..

Tszyu has talked about moving up to 147 pounds and
challenging Corey Spinks for the title. Can he win the welterweight title?
I am sure Tszyu would defeat Spinks by knockout in four or five rounds. Corey is a good boxer but Tszyu has to many skills and power. I was a sparring partner for Ricardo Mayorga when he met Spinks. I thought Mayorga won the fight but Spinks made it close. Spinks could not survive Tszyu's power.

You recently lost the WBO title to Zab Judah - are you
interested in a return bout?
I would like a return bout - but Zab is not interested. I thought I deserved a draw in that fight. He hurt me early but I deserved a draw.

Are you going after any of the 140 pound championships?
No - I am going to fight as a lightweight in future. I only weighed 135 pounds for Judah. Lightweight is my right division.

Who is the best boxer you have met in the ring?
Ener Julio is the best boxer but the best puncher was Randall Bailey. He only connected a few times but when he did - there was a lot of power.

Have you been offered any bouts in Australia?
Yes - I was offered a bout with IBF#10 Lovemore Ndou on January 23rd. I cannot take the fight on that date but would be interested in coming back later in 2004 for a bout with Ndou.