Atlantic City, NJ – The lights of Boardwalk Hall shone brighter than usual on May 22nd, 2004, as Floyd Mayweather Jr. stepped into the super lightweight division with all the confidence and sharpness of a veteran making a statement. In a 12-round masterclass against former WBO junior welterweight champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Mayweather showcased a blend of speed, precision, and ring IQ that firmly stamped his authority at 140 pounds.

The bout, a WBC title eliminator, ended in a lopsided unanimous decision—scored 119-108, 119-107, and 118-108—confirming what many already suspected: Mayweather wasn’t just moving up in weight; he was taking over.

Corley came into the ring with pedigree and pride, having once held a world title and served as a sparring partner for champions like Mayorga and Tszyu. Despite a 10-month layoff, the Washington D.C. native started aggressively, managing to buzz Mayweather in the early rounds, especially in a fiery third and fourth. But the tide shifted quickly.

By round five, Mayweather found his rhythm—cutting angles, slipping punches, and countering with cruel efficiency. Though Corley was sent to the canvas a total of seven times, only two were officially counted as knockdowns: the first in round eight after a blistering combination forced him to a knee, and the second in the tenth following another crisp flurry.

The CompuBox numbers told the tale of dominance: Mayweather landed 283 punches at a 47% connect rate, while Corley landed only 150 at 23%.

Even after sustaining a shoulder and hand issue mid-fight, Mayweather never lost control. He dictated the pace, used every inch of the ring, and displayed the kind of technical mastery that silences critics and excites fans.

The victory places Mayweather as the mandatory challenger for WBC champion Arturo Gatti—setting up a high-octane showdown the boxing world is clamouring to see. With his HBO contract winding down and a $3 million purse in the bank, Mayweather now controls his destiny.

In a night that symbolized more than just another win, Floyd Mayweather Jr. proved that greatness isn’t just about changing divisions—it’s about redefining them.

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