Saturday night's all right for figthing.

But when Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo renew acquaintances this Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, it's more likely to be a war of attrition than a mere fight. At least that's what the hope is - that the two lightweights will pick up where they left off in May in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest fights of all time. Whether or not Corrales and Castillo can match the intensity of the non-stop punching and high drama that punctuated their first encounter is debatable; at any rate this fight has the potential to be another instant classic.

Corrales, 40-2 (33), who won the first bout in dramatic fashion, coming off the canvas in the 10th round to stop Castillo, has shown time and again that not only should he never be counted out, but that he is most dangerous when he is hurt. Castillo seemed on his way to a sure victory after knocking Corrales down twice, but got a little careless and paid the price. Although Corrales bought himself some extra time by removing his mouthpiece after the second knockdown, it didn't present too much controversy or take away any lustre from the sensational fight.

For Castillo, 52-7-1 (46), this rematch means the world. Losing the way he did, having Corrales snatch victory from the jaws of the fiery Mexican after it seemed so certain, must have paid a psychological toll on the proud ex-champion, and if the theme for Corrales for this rematch is repeat, then for Castillo it must be revenge.

Both fighters came to a mutual acceptance in their first bout to go to war in a phone booth for about half the fight. If Corrales wants to win again, his best chance is to keep the fight at long-distance, using his long jab and reach to hit Castillo with power shots. When Corrales fought his rematch with Joel Cassamayor, he boxed, stayed on the outside, and won. Castillo, on the other hand, should stick to the gameplan of the first fight; that is, stay in the trenches, punch in volume, take the fight to "Chico" - but don't get caught with hooks. When Castillo beat tough Juan Lazcano he stayed on top of him for the whole fight, beating his head and body. That's what he has to do to Corrales.

Because Corrales and Castillo are both huge punchers, whoever can land the big shots first has the upper hand. If anyone is going to alter their gameplan considerably, it's Corrales. Castillo only fights one way - coming forward. If Corrales boxes and stays on his bicycle, which he may or may not do, Castillo will have to hunt him down and expend much-needed energy. Corrales may then try to take him into the later rounds and drown him. This fight, like first one, is a toss-up, but I give the edge to Castillo. He will tighten his defence and land enough bombs to have Corrales' corner wave the white flag.

Prediction: Castillo KO 11