GL: You're going to be making your welterweight debut against Joshua Clottey on April 7. Can you give us some thoughts on the fight? "I know that Josh is a very, very tough guy. He gave Margarito all he wanted so I know I have my hands full. I'm taking this camp really serious and I'm lookin on making a real impression."

GL: A lot of people are looking at this fight as a pretty tough task for your welterweight debut. Was Clottey your first choice of opponent?

Diego Corrales: "When have you not seen me take on a tough task? That's what I'm known for. I love taking on the toughest challengers period. Was it my first choice? They brought it up and I said okay."

GL: The last time I spoke with Gary (Shaw) he didn't know where the fight would be taking place. Can you fill us in any?

Diego Corrales; "I've heard two places. I've heard Miami as the main place and then I heard Oklahoma. Me, we could put it in hell and the fight is not going to change. He's no easy opponent and I'm looking forward to making it a rough fight, I don't' care where it's at."

GL: What are you hoping a victory over Clottey does for you?

DC: "I'm just looking forward to a great performance sending a message to the rest of the divison. I do plan on making a real impression, I'll tell you that much."

GL: Your last fight took place for the lightweight title. We don't have to relive what happened, we know what happened, but now you're skipping 140 an moving all the way up to welterweight. Was making 140 a physical impossibility?

DC: "It's a virtual physical impossibility. I tell you what when you spend three weeks at 142 and cannot get under 142 the reality of the matter is 140 is not a possibility. Rather than sit back and make an embarrassment of myself, my team and Showtime, I feel it was a good decision to move where I'm comfortable. I feel like I'm where I belong and it should be an exciting night on April 7."

GL: Are you confident that you're going to carry your pop up to 147?

DC: "Very. 110%. I've been sparring with middleweights and they're all letting me know I'm definitely stronger than they thought I would be. These are middleweights and they're not slouches so it's good to know I'm bringing the power with me. It might not be the same power, it might be a little less but it's going to be enough to make me just as strong as any welterweight out there."

GL: Since this is your first fight at 147 would it be unfair of us to pass judgement on you as as welterweight after April 7?

DC: "I always look for the victory and I don't care if it goes one round or twelve rounds. I'm going out there looking to make one hell of a statement. If I stop him that would make a statement, but if it goes the distance, nobody else was able to stop him so oh well."

GL: Warrior is one of the first words that comes to mind when your name is mentioned. Now that you're going to be facing bigger guys can we expect to see you utilize some of those boxing skills you seem to abandon at the lower weight classes?

DC: "It's funny because a warrior is what I want to be. In all actualiy these guys aren't twelve pounds bigger than me. I'm six feet tall so I'm the same height or taller than most of these guys. I should have probably at this weight two years ago, but I was killing myself to make lightweight.I think for the first time you're going to see my ability when my body doesn't have to kill itself to make weight. I feel 110% better now, I'm not killing myself to do the things I need to do. I don't have any fears about carrying my strength and I'm very happy with my situation right now."

GL: Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?

DC: "My welterweight debut will be a very, very interesting one. Mark my words on that. You will know I belong."

M

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