Boxing Preview: Acelino Freitas – Zahir Raheem

ByDaxx Kahn

The Moment Of Truth

Tonight at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut, Acelino Freitas will face Zahir Raheem for the vacant WBO Lightweight title. These two fighters are at an important time in their careers with each man having something to prove, not only to themselves, but also to the boxing world. This is a moment that will decide what’s next for both fighters. Acelino “Popo” Freitas, 37-1 (32), hails from Bahia, Brazil and is a former three-time world champion. He has held the WBA, WBO Super Featherweight and the WBO Lightweight titles. Freitas was fast on his way to being recognized as one of the elite fighters in the world shortly after he won the WBO Lightweight belt from Artur Gregorian, but was then quit against Diego Corrales and suddenly found himself as just another fighter. Since then, Freitas has come back to win his last two contests and now finds himself in position to win back the belt he lost to Corrales just a short while ago. The only thing standing in his way is Zahir Raheem.

Zahir “Z-Man” Raheem, 27-1 (16), is originally from Philadelphia, PA but now calls Las Vegas, NV home and has made a name for himself recently. Although he’s only lost once, to the then undefeated Rocky Juarez, Raheem was just another unnoticed fighters. Even with a minor title on his resume, Raheem had yet to reach the top. But it was his win over Erik “El Terrible” Morales that really started to grab some attention.

In what can be called a candidate for upset of the year, Raheem had a spectacular night and defeated Morales by unanimous decision. At times, he even made Morales look washed up and since that win, Raheem has been in the spotlight. But now it’s time to show if Raheem is for real or did he just have the night of his life against Morales?

Acelino Freitas wants to again hold gold around his waist and make another stride towards P4P status. He is looking to show the world that he is back and here to stay. Raheem wants to show that he is the real thing and would love nothing more than to do just that against Freitas and claim his first world title. When the bell rings tonight, we will find out who is here to stay. Is the “Z-Man” here for real or will “Popo” continue his comeback? The Moment of truth will soon be here.