ESPN Boxing

Editor's note: Super bantamweight Wayne Pocket Rocket McCullough (27-6-0) plots strategy for the lightweight title rematch between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo.

The rematch this Saturday (9 p.m. ET, Showtime PPV) between two-division champion Diego Corrales (40-2, 33 KOs) and two-time lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo (52-7-1, 46 KOs) is a sequel to a fight that will be hard to match.

CORRALES-CASTILLO II FIGHT CARD

Showtime PPV Saturday 9 p.m. ET Thomas & Mack Center Las Vegas, Nev. • Lightweights: Diego Corrales (40-2, 33 KOs) vs. Jose Luis Castillo (52-7-1, 46 KOs), 12-round non-title bout, rematch. • Showtime PPV: Tale O' Tape | Vote! • Flyweights: Jorge Arce (40-3-1, 30 KOs) vs. Hussein Hussein (28-2, 21 KOs), 12 rounds, rematch, for Arce's interim title. • Junior lightweights: Carlos Hernandez (41-5-1, 24 KOs) vs. Bobby Pacquiao (25-11-3, 11 KOs), 10 rounds. • Junior welterweights: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (22-0, 17 KOs) vs. Jeremy Stiers (9-4, 6 KOs), 6 rounds.

Their first meeting on May 7 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas was, without a doubt, the fight of the decade. It could be one of the best fights ever. Each displayed guts and each rallied after being hurt during 10 grueling rounds.

The first eight rounds went back and forth, and at the end of the eighth, the bout was an even fight.

When Corrales found himself on the canvas twice in the 10th round, courtesy of two of Castillo's left hooks, things looked bleak for the Las Vegas resident.

Following the first knockdown, Corrales' mouthpiece fell out of his mouth. After the second knockdown, he took the mouthpiece out and allowed himself a few extra seconds to recover. The referee deducted a point for the mouthpiece foul but Corrales amazingly was able to continue.

Corrales immediately turned the fight around. Just as Castillo came in for the finish, Corrales landed a big left and a right hook to Castillo's chin that stunned the Mexican. Corrales jumped on him and landed about seven more punches, all to Castillo's head. Castillo was out on his feet and referee Tony Weeks, making the right call, jumped in and saved him from any more punishment.

Corrales and Castillo are scheduled to meet again Saturday in UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center. Each will be ready for this fight and I think either has the ability to win.

It could either be a great fight or, since they took so much punishment the last time, they might have nothing left.

1. Get close and stay close
Castillo has fought almost all of his fights at close range, throwing short hooks to the head and body. He wears his opponents down and then gets the stoppage victory. The left hook is his best weapon, but if he uses it more often he could keep his opponent on the floor.

2. Use the jab more to get inside
Although Castillo likes to fight toe-to-toe, he does have a good jab, but sometimes he forgets to use it. If he sets up his jab to get close, then he can unload his short punches.

3. Block the hooks
It was the right and left hooks from Corrales that turned the fight around, giving Corrales the victory. Castillo was defenseless against the hooks. His hands were low and Corrales was able to come around the side with hooks from both angles. Castillo needs to keep his hands high and block the hooks coming in from his opponent.

1.Keep the distance
Corrales showed in the first fight when he used his distance and boxing skills, Castillo couldn't touch him. However, he was content to stand toe-to-toe for most of the fight, and in the end, that worked for him. But he could have made it easier by using his 2-inch height advantage.

2. Use the long left jab
Corrales could use his jab to keep Castillo from getting close. He has power in both hands and needs to use it. He can throw long hooks to catch Castillo as the Mexican approaches.

3. Block left hooks
We all know how Castillo put Corrales onto the canvas in the first fight, courtesy of his best punch, the left hook. Castillo dropped Corrales twice in the 10th round with this shot. Castillo's left hook came around Corrales' right hand, which was situated too far away from Corrales' head. If Corrales keeps his right hand closer to his head and blocks the left hook from his opponent with his right hand, he can counter back with his own left hook. This will make the fight easier for him and help him avoid touching the canvas this time.

This is a fight that I see starting off where it ended last time.

Typically, Castillo will come in trying to knock out Corrales. But I think Corrales will use his long range and distance and will knock Castillo out in the middle rounds.

Super bantamweight Wayne McCullough's autobiography "Don't Quit" will be published in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Nov. 10 and is scheduled for release in the United States on December 27. McCullough's Web site is www.pocketrocketbox.com