When young, the then Silver Gloves competitor Demarcus Corley, winner of the second fight of the Wray & Nephew Contender Season 6, disobeyed his coach’s instructions to “eat light” before his impending contest and went to town on fast food.

When he showed up at the gym considerably heavier the next day, his coach dubbed him ‘Chop Chop’ saying he had chopped through all that food. For his ‘punishment’ he had to move up in weight class, but the moniker stuck, and now, with over 70 pro bouts under his belt, Corley is still chopping his way through the sport with a fighting spirit.

His latest demolition came against Iwan ‘Pure Gold’ Azore of Trinidad in this season of the exciting boxing series, The Wray & Nephew Contender. In this year’s edition, boxers from the United States face off against their counterparts from the Caribbean.

“It was great to be able to fight in Jamaica. I loved the energy of the crowd and though they didn’t know me, it’s obvious that they were into the fight. It’s good to see that kind of support for the sport, and also the kind of talent that’s here.”

While it’s not unusual for boxers to be still active at his age, Corley, who turns 42 this June, is one of few boxers in his weight division still holding his own with younger challengers. How does he stay ready given the ravages of time in the ring? What gives him the spirit needed to endure? “I work harder,” is the simple answer, before he continues, “I get up earlier, I put in the time, I take my health and performance seriously.” Indeed, it’s that seriousness that allowed him to cop the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Junior Welterweight title in 2001, defeating Felix Flores with just five days’ notice for that fight.

It’s been his hallmark since he won the US National Golden Gloves Championship in the light welterweight division in 1995. His pro career got off the ground with a knockout victory over Aaron Smith in the first round on May 17, 1996. He would not lose a match until 1999, against Daniel Lujan. Later that year, in his 22nd bout with a record of 21 wins (11 knockouts) and one defeat, he faced Ener Julio for the USBA Light Welterweight title, winning via a 12-round split decision.

He took 2002 off from boxing to recover from the death of his brother, a transformative event in his life, before returning to the ring on January 4, 2003.

After some hard times (racking up consecutive losses), Corley took on Damian Fuller in 2010 and improved his record to 37-13-1 (21 knockouts) with a fourth round technical knockout.

On January 21, 2012, he won the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Light Welterweight title when he defeated Gabriel Bracero by unanimous decision. He then earned a technical knockout victory over Paul McCloskey on May 5, 2012.

He’s been in many a ring and traded punches with several of the best, including five-division world champion and media magnet, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather. Recalling that fight in a previous interview, Corley praised the champion for his “impeccable technique,” adding that Mayweather was the most adaptable fighter he had ever faced and the best at getting opponents out of their natural rhythm.

Although he did not spend much time on the island, Corley has a favourable view of Jamaica. One, no doubt enhanced by the fact that his sojourn was successful professionally. Corley also designs and sells his own line of ring gear and can frequently be seen at sporting goods expos talking up his line and also speaking on his rich, tumultuous boxing life.

With all his ring exploits, Corley is a devoted father to his five daughters, whom he cites as his real inspiration, and motivation for his spirit. One other mark does drive him at the moment — that is a rematch with former undisputed Welterweight World Champion, Zab Judah. Maybe then, Demarcus Corley will consider hanging up his gloves. Whatever the outcome, one can be sure he’ll be ready with his fighting spirit.

With a win in round one of the Wray & Nephew Contender, Corley moves on to round two, starting in May.