http://www.hbo.com/boxing/events/200...ouncement.html

March 16, 2006

HBO's hit late-night boxing series kicks off its tenth season with a spectacular doubleheader when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: ZAHIR RAHEEM VS. ACELINO FREITAS AND ANDRE WARD VS. ANDY KOLLE is seen SATURDAY, APRIL 29 at 10:15 p.m. (ET/PT), from the Fox Theatre at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Ct., exclusively on HBO. The HBO BOXING AFTER DARK commentators will be announced at a later date. The event will be presented in Spanish language on HBO Latino.

HBO2 playdate: April 30 (8:30 a.m., 4:45 p.m.). All times ET/PT.

In the main event, it's a 12-round lightweight showdown, as Zahir Raheem of Philadelphia (27-1-0, 16 KOs) meets the formidable challenge of Acelino Freitas (37-1, 32 KOs), from Bahia, Brazil. Raheem emerged as a force in the 135-pound division with his upset win over superstar Erik Morales this past September in Los Angeles. Freitas is a former lightweight champ with considerable knockout power. The winner of this 135-pound showdown will be at the doorstep of some huge opportunities in the division.

The opening fight is an eight-round middleweight bout featuring 2004 U.S. Olympian Andre Ward (8-0, 4 KOs), of Oakland, versus Andy Kolle (9-0, 7 KOs) of Fergus Falls, Minn. Both men are looking to make a dramatic statement on national TV.