No fret, as retired Brazilian boxing champion, Acelino “Popo” Freitas (40-2), stepped in to fill the void. “Popo” retired 18 years ago with 34 knockouts on his resume with a streak of 27 straight knockout wins, paving the way for him to collect numerous titles across two divisions.
Nevertheless, the two men came face-to-face during a recent pre-fight press conference ahead of their boxing match … and things got a little tense between the striking Brazilians.
“The Axe Murderer” did say he would return to combat sports competition for a boxing match, and now he has his wish. That said, Freitas is a proven boxer with knockout power even at the age of 50, which could equate to a bad night for Wanderlei in front of his hometown fans.