by David P. Greisman
DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley will be turning 40 in June, but he doesn’t seem to be inclined toward hanging up his gloves just yet.
While Corley says he could be facing lightweight John Molina on the March 21 episode of ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights,” Molina informs BoxingScene.com that there is no bout with Corley in the works and that he is seeking opportunities other than a bout with Corley.
The veteran former 140-pound titleholder is now seeking to campaign at 135, and is still looking for one more good run in a lengthy career.
Corley is now 40-22-1 with 24 KOs. He spoke with BoxingScene on Jan. 25.
BoxingScene.com: How are things going?
Corley: “It’s going great. I just got back from training camp with a young fighter, Tevin ‘The Idol’ Farmer. He’s fighting next Friday.”
BoxingScene.com: I heard a rumor that you could be fighting on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” soon.
Corley: “Yes, March 21, that’s what they’re working on.”
BoxingScene.com: What weight class would you be fighting at, and against whom?
Corley: “Lightweight, 135, and they’re looking at John Molina right now.”
BoxingScene.com: Where would this fight be?
Corley: “Fantasy Springs, California.”
BoxingScene.com: Why do you want to drop down to lightweight?
Corley: “I’ve been fighting 140 all my life and never had a problem with making the weight, and I’m a better fighter at 135. Stronger. I fought Javier Garcia [in October 2013], I weighed in with all my clothes on at 137, and I stopped him.”
BoxingScene.com: What do you think about John Molina?
Corley: “I’ma knock him out.”
BoxingScene.com: Why do you think you’re going to knock him out?
Corley: “[I’m the] Bigger, stronger, smarter fighter.”
BoxingScene.com: What do you do after you beat John Molina, then?
Corley: “Get in the sweepstakes at 135 and try to fight for the title. WBC.”
BoxingScene.com: Who are you promoted by right now?
Corley: “No one.”
BoxingScene.com: And who do you want to be promoted by?
Corley: “Golden Boy.”
BoxingScene.com: So what do you need to do to get Golden Boy in your corner?
Corley: “Knock out John Molina.”
BoxingScene.com: Why are you continuing your career after all this time, and continuing to campaign at 135?
Corley: “140 guys are too big for me at that weight class. I’m much older. I’ll be 40 years old in five months. It’s a smart decision to come down to weight.”
BoxingScene.com: A lot of boxers when they near 40 are thinking about retiring. Why not retire?
Corley: “It’s not my time yet, not to retire. I’m still young, kept my body very well. I don’t do drugs, I don’t smoke, I don’t club. I’ve got plenty of kids to take care of, and I love having fun.”
BoxingScene.com: Anything else you want people to know?
Corley: “Just look forward to me campaigning at lightweight.”
Pick up a copy of David’s new book, “Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing,” at http://bit.ly/fightingwordsamazon or internationally at http://bit.ly/fightingwordsworldwide. Send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com