Maybe Michelle Corrales-Lewis will break an annual tradition Thursday night and go back to that place again, as she and her children do annually to celebrate and remember her husband, the father of her children, and now newly minted inductee to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Diego “Chico” Corrales.

Every year on May 7 since 2007, Corrales-Lewis goes to the Las Vegas intersection where Corrales was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in memory of him. On Thursday, December 7, the family has another reason to celebrate the late two-division titlist.

Corrales tops the Class of 2024 that includes Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, Michael “Double M” Moorer and Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon. In the women’s modern category, Jane “The Fleetwood Assassin” Couch and “La Guerrera” Ana Maria Torres will be inducted, along with trainer Kenny Adams, manager Jackie Kallen and publicist Fred Sternburg.

In the non-participant category, journalist Wallace Matthews and broadcaster Nick Charles (posthumous) are part of the 2024 class in the observer category, while Luis Angel Firpo (posthumous) will go in in the 0ld timer category and Theresa Kibby (posthumous) in the women’s trailblazer category.

Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and a panel of international boxing historians.

Corrales will join two of his legendary trainers—fellow 2024 inductee Kenny Adams and 2023 inductee Joe Goossen—in Canastota. Adams trained “Chico” early in his career and Goossen was in Corrales’ corner for his legendary 2005 “Fight of the Year” with Jose Luis Castillo.

It’s a fight that will forever be remembered for Corrales getting off the canvas to score a dramatic 10th round knockout. It was universally selected as the 2005 Fight of the Year and arguably the greatest lightweight title fight in boxing history. Unfortunately, Corrales lost the rematch to Castillo (KO by 4), though remained WBC titlist since Castillo came in overweight. He then lost the belt to Joel Casamayor (L 12) in their rubber match.

One month following his last bout against Joshua Clottey (L 10), and two years to the day he fought Castillo in their epic 2005 FOY, on May 7, 2007 he died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas at age 29. His professional record was 40-5 (33 KOs).

The 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is scheduled for June 6-9th in “Boxing’s Hometown.” Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony.

The unforgettable Diego Corrales finished Jose Luis Castillo in the 10th (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

For more information on the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.

What they had to say:

Ivan Calderon

“This is something great, a dream come true. I dreamed to be a boxer. I dreamed to be a world champion. I especially dreamed to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. And now I’ve got everything!”

Ricky Hatton

“That’s incredible. You never think of when you lace the gloves on at 10 years old that you’ll end up in the Hall of Fame with some of the great fighters already there. I’m a bit speechless. There’s no greater honor. I’m delighted.”—

Michael Moorer

“I appreciate this very much. The Hall of Fame Wall is the wall of the elite and I am so happy to be inducted alongside some of my favorite boxers like Salvador Sanchez, Alexis Arguello and Marvelous Marvin Hagler.  I made it to the elite.”

Jane Couch

“Oh my God, I’m in shock over this news. Wow! I can’t believe it. I’m so excited and cannot wait to get to Canastota and meet everyone during the Induction Weekend.”

Ana Maria Torres

“It is a great honor to be in the International Boxing Hall of Fame with great champions. I am very happy! Thanks to my mom, who has always been with me. My husband, my children and I have taken this great news as another championship.”

Kenny Adams

“This feels great to get this news. I can now say that I’ve reached the highest point in the sport of boxing.”

Jackie Kallen

“I’m so happy I could cry! I’ve wanted this for so long. I am so elated I don’t know what to say. To be recognized for my 45 years in the sport is amazing and I’m so appreciative. I’m looking forward to a wonderful experience at Induction Weekend.”

Fred Sternburg

“I am stunned.  Working in boxing has been such great fun. I have had the good fortune to work with some very remarkable people, including world champions and contenders, promoters, managers, and television executives, trainers and fellow public relations practitioners, all who were generous with their time and taught me so much.  Inside the International Boxing Hall of Fame, there are plaques dedicated to boxing legends of all generations. It is a privilege to join them.”

Wallace Matthews

“I never went into this for awards or money. I went into it to help the fighters because I love boxing and to know that I’m going to be honored among the athletes that I respected and loved as a kid is a great honor and humbling.”

Joseph Santoliquito is hall of fame, award-winning sportswriter who has been working for Ring Magazine/RingTV.com since October 1997 and is the president of the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Follow @JSantoliquito

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