The Scorecard: Freitas vs. Raheem Preview

Previews


Rokk is back with a pretty decent two days of boxing patiently waiting for us. Looking back to this past week though, Klitschko impressed spectators with an utterly dominant performance against the longest reigning Heavyweight Champ, Chris Byrd. Those lucky enough to catch Wednesday Night Fights got to see a dangerous Super Middleweight prospect Allan Green KO his opponent after tasting the canvas. Green is undefeated and best known in his short career as the fighter that sent Jaidon Cordington, AKA one half of the New York’s “Chin Checkers,” to the deck brutally. Jameel McCline fought on this card as well and at this stage in his career might have to face the reality that he has taken on the role as the gatekeeper of the top ten.

On to Friday Night Fights where we have a pretty decent Heavyweight double header. On the undercard 23-1 with 14 KO’s Brian Minto will be facing 19-6-1 Billy Zumbrun. Minto isn’t the most talented Heavy out right now, but he is damn exciting to watch; best known for his two KO wins over Vinny Maddalone, which turned out to become cult classics. On to the main event where we see the “Nigerian Nightmare” Samuel Peter 25-1, with 21 big KO’s, will be facing Julius Long 14-7. Peter, once thought as a major player in the Heavyweight division, was set back with a UD loss to now Champ Klitschko even though he knocked down the champ three times. The step up in class was apparent and this fight with Long seems to be nothing more than a showcase fight. Peter will win this one easily and should think of fighting a top ten fighter before challenging for another title.

ShoBox is Showtime’s arena to display up and coming fighters and this Friday night will not disappoint fight fans. D.C. born brothers Lamont and Anthony Peterson will be showcased on this edition, with both fighters make a smell step up in class in their opponents and try to get a foot in the door of their respected divisions. Lamont, a Jr. Welterweight with a record of 16-0 and 7 KO’s, will be facing Mario Jose Ramos, 16-2-1. Ramos is no stranger to fighting prospects, dropping his last fight to nephew of ex-Middleweight King Demetrius Hopkins. Younger brother by a year Anthony, a Welterweight with a record of 16-0 with 12 KO’s, will be facing a fellow undefeated fighter 13-0 Jermain White. Both fighters have some extreme potential and are always exciting to watch, so break out the DVR and record ESPN’s FNF and watch this one live! You will probably see at least one spectacular KO on ESPN so might as well tape that one, and appreciate the skills of the Peterson bros. live.

Those of you fight fans that subscribe to DirecTV will have an opportunity to buy an exclusive PPV fight featuring “The Iron Boy” Ivan Calderon, undefeated at 25-0 and WBO Minimum Weight Champ. This fight taking place in Puerto Rico on Saturday can only be seen on DirecTV, unless you live in PR, but with the HBO fight on the same night I would only buy this fight if you are a big Iron Boy fan (which I haven’t ran into too many). Not saying he is not a great fighter, because he is, but very few fighters that weigh a little more than 100 lbs. have that kind of draw.

On to the HBO broadcast that I have been interested in for months (check back to one of my first columns), U.S. Olympian Andre Ward will stake his undefeated 8-0 record against fellow undefeated 9-0 Andy Kolle in a Middleweight undercard. Ward was highly touted as the next big thing, but there have been many questions about his game. This national exposure is perfect for Ward and hopefully he will show the world that he is for real.

The main event includes two fighters that have 1 loss a piece, both to solid fighters. Brazilian Acelino “Popo” Freitas, 37-1 with 32 KO’s, was tearing through opponents until he met Diego “Chico” Corrales in a match that saw Freitas hit the deck 3 times, ultimately leading to “No Mas” the 2004 version. Freitas has power, that is not in question, what is in question is his herky jerky style…if you can call it a style. Some experts have said that Freitas is a great athlete with a big punch, but no real boxing skills. His opponent, “King” Zahir Raheem is a U.S. Olympian with a record of 27-1 with 16 KO’s, best known for his recent out-classing of Mexican living legend Erik Morales. Morales was a top ten pound-for-pound fighter that moved up in weight and discovered a slick southpaw that arguably won every round of their 12 round title fight. The one blemish on Raheem’s record was an extremely controversial decision loss to fellow Olympian Rocky Juarez, in a fight that was scored horrifically and maybe the worst Refereeing I have seen in recent memory.

This should be an easy fight to predict. My head is saying that Raheem, with quite possibly the best boxing skills in the business, should run through the wild Brazilian with ease. The problem with this thinking is how do you train for Freitas? Not many fighters have a style like Popo’s. He will break every boxing standard that Raheem has ever followed. Not to mention Freitas has pop, he can change a fight with one punch. This fight is for the WBO Lightweight Title.

Rokk’s Prediction:
I say that Zahir will prevail with a 116-112 score, but I give Freitas a punchers chance, don’t count out the possibility that Raheem will end up on his back.

Also I am sure Trent will give you more info, but a quality fighter, Sharmba Mitchell, will be fighting on Wednesday Night Fights. Though he is in the twilight of his career, he has been a terrific fighter over the years and a personal favorite.

Last, but not least, start saving your pennies boys and girls. Next week is a pay-per-view event that you’re gonna wanna check out: Mayorga vs. De La Hoya!