PHILADELPHIA (October 7, 2021)–Former four-time, two-division world champion and the MOST POPULAR FIGHTER IN BRAZILIAN HISTORY, Acelino “Popo” Freitas is on the 2021 International Boxing Hall of Fame Ballot.

Freitas exploded onto the scene when he won the original Boxcino Tournament in 1997.

Freitas, who was promoted by Banner Promotions, captured the WBO Junior Lightweight world title with a first-round knockout over Anatoly Alexandrov on August 7, 1999, was able to start his career with a staggering 29 consecutive knockouts.

He defended the title 10-times and then became a unified champion as he added the WBA crown with a 12-round unanimous decision over Cuban Gold Medal winner Joel Casamayor.

On January 3, 2004, Freitas became a two-division champion by outpointing undefeated Artur Grigorian to win the WBO Lightweight world championship. On April 29, 2006, Freitas became a two-time lightweight champion as he re-won the WBO Lightweight title with a win over Zahir Raheem.

The Brazilian native became widely popular, especially in his home country of Brazil, and became must-see TV, as evidenced by his memorable brawl when he climbed off the deck twice to comeback and stop Jorge Barrios in a bloody affair on August 9, 2003. That fight was the most watched boxing match in South America.

Freitas, who throughout his title runs, was a staple on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing, retired with a Hall-of-Fame worthy record of 41-2 with 34 knockouts.

Following his career, Freitas has been a very influential figure in Brazilian politics as he served as a Senator. He has become a top boxing analyst in South America.

“Acelino was an amazing fighter who provided not only an incredible career when it came to winning and defending world titles, but he was the most exciting fighter with his incredible knockout prowess. I am so proud of him and extremely happy and fortunate to have promoted his career. He did as much for my career as I did for his,” said Freitas’ longtime promoter, Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions.

Acelino Freitas can be followed on the below social media platforms
Instagram ‌ Facebook ‌ Twitter ‌
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

February 12, 2021–Acelino Freitas, who was one of boxing’s biggest stars, looked to reclaim the WBO lightweight world title when he fought the surging Zahir Raheem. Relive the match on tonight’s edition of Classic Fight Night on fubo Sports Network.

Freitas (37-1, 32 KOs) was riding a two-fight winning streak after dropping the WBO title to Diego Corrales. The Brazilian was considered one of the sport’s most exciting fighters based on his prodigious knockout power. Coming off the biggest win of his career by defeating Mexican legend Erik Morales, Raheem (27-1, 16 KOs) earned the shot at the vacant title.

The bout took place on April 29, 2006, at The Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

See if Freitas was able to catch Raheem tonight at 8 PM ET.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

December 9, 2020–TONIGHT on fubo Sports Network, fans can relive the WBO Lightweight World Title bout between then undefeated champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas (35-0, 31 KOs) and Diego Corrales (38-2, 31 KOs)  that took place on April 7, 2004 at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

The fight begins at 8 PM ET.
The classic fight was remembered as the two best lightweights in the world going at it to prove who was best in the 135-pound division.

About fubo Sports NetworkAvailable on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels. 

  For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing