Michelle Corrales, widow of two-divison world champion Diego Corrales, sat down with FightHype.com to candidly discuss her emotional turmoil since her husband's death, the financial difficulties her family faces, her reaction to the results of Diego's blood toxicology tests and how she wants everyone to remember him.
BT: How have the past few weeks been?
MC: Unbearable. Really hard. I still can't believe it.
BT: What's been the hardest to deal with?
MC: The emotional turmoil of just knowing we will never see him again. And being pregnant. The emotions of the pregnancy and dealing with that alone. Knowing my babies will never know their father. Knowing he never had a chance to hold his son.
BT: How is the pregnancy going so far and when is your due date?
MC: July 13th. A lot of pre-term labor; a lot of stress related problems, but the baby is okay and healthy.
BT: And your naming this one junior?
MC: Yes. Diego Chico Corrales Jr.
BT: We've been reading a lot about fundraisers and charitable contributions. Most people would of thought that your family would have been left taken care of.
MC: We've been thankful for the money that Diego was able to make during the past couple of years, however, he didn't fight as often as he wanted and the money brought home is never as much as it's made out to be in the media. With Diego being so young, we figured we had time to secure our finances from future earnings. By the time the lawsuits and debts are paid, there won't be much left for the children to live on.
BT: There have been recent reports of Diego's alcohol level during the accident. Were you shocked to hear this news?
MC: Yes I was shocked because my husband has always had respect for bikes. He knew the dangers and always wore his protective gear. Don't get me wrong, he loved to have a great time. And yes he did drink. But when it came to his bike, he was extra cautious. I also know that it was an exciting weekend (De La Hoya/Mayweather fight) where there were tons of people in town and Diego was hanging out and having a good time. I am just thankful that he didn't hurt anyone else. I'm fortunate and blessed to know that since my husband chose to get on that motorcycle and ride impaired, that it was only his life that God reached down and took. I wouldn't want to be the widow that was left here knowing that he killed anyone else due to his his poor judgement.
BT: Were you two having marital problems?
MC: What marriage doesn't have problems? We were like any other young couple. We did have problems, but the love was there. There were things that I didn't agree with in his life, but I loved him. I love him. And I know that he loved me. He made it clear that no matter what problems we had, he never wanted a divorce and he was willing to do whatever it takes to work thinkgs out. We were both looking forward to the birth of our son and Diego was planning on delivering him as he did our daughter, Daylia.
BT: Are you mad to find out he was impaired?
MC: Yes. I am furious. But I still have my doubts and questions. It's a month later. On the scene, there was no evidence of alcohol. The officer on the scene was adamant that drugs or alcohol weren't a factor in my husband's death. Now a month later, I am watching the news and hear he was drunk and I still have a hard time believing it. But I'm not letting that tarnish my image of him.
BT: Take us back to the day you found out?
MC: Diego was out with friends and one of them contacted me and told me that Diego was involved in a serious motorcycle accident and was seriously injured and/or possibly dead. I rushed to the scene. I was in disbelief the whole time. I couldn't move from the scene. I was there over 4 hours. When I arrived, they had caution tape and parameters already set up. The bike was in shambles. They had a sheet over a body and I had no confirmation that was my husband other than his friend telling me. My brothers identified the body hours later after the coroner came. Until then, I was still hoping it was not him.
B:T: What do you want people to remember about Chico?
MC: I want people to remember what they loved about Diego in the first place. I hate that this came out to slander his name. It doesn't change the great warrior that he was and the fighter that he was and the world champion we all came to love. It doesn't change that he was still the man that stayed in the arena for hours signing autographs for his fans. If he was here, Diego being the champion and man he was, he would be full of apologies for embarassing or hurting any of his fans because he truly cared about them. Sometimes putting them ahead of us. I can see him here apologizing to them instead of apologizing for dieing. He wouldn't care that he was dead. He'd be apologizing that he was drunk when he died and that he's sorry for letting anyone down or disappointing any of his fans and thats why I don't want anyone taking away from the champion and warrior that he was. Does it matter how or why he died? No. He's dead. He cannot come and rectify his mistakes. He didn't have a chance to grow and mature. Was he perfect? No. But he gave all he had in the ring and he needed to be accepted by his fans. I want them to remember him with love like he loved each and every one of them.
BT: I heard that there was a donation account set up on behalf of you and your children.
MC: Yes, I've set up an account at Bank of America, Nevada. Account number 5010 0279 4596. If anyone wants to make a deposit, they can go to any Bank of America worldwide to do so. I would like to thank everyone in advance for their donations, support and prayers during this terrible time.
BT: Thank you so much Michelle for taking time out to talk with us. Again, our deepest condolences to you and your entire family
Editor's Note: You can also donate to the Corrales Fund by purchasing a commemorative Diego Corrales t-shirt. Click here to order.
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