GL: How has training camp been going for the big fight with Juan Diaz on April 28? "We're training hard in the heart of Puerto Rico. Me and my whole team are feeling strong and know at the end of the fight we're going to bring the victory home again one more time."

GL: Originally the opponent was supposed to be Joel Casamayor and that fell apart so now you're fighting another champion, Juan Diaz. Which unification bout do you think would have provided us with a better fight?

Acelino Freitas: "Basically it's going to be the same thing that happened with Casamayor. He was the favorite to win the fight. I don't know much about Juan Diaz, but my team will get me ready for him and that's all I'm about, getting ready for who they put in front of me. I want to fight the best in the world, I don't want to duck them. He's one of the best and basically I'm going to show the world that being an underdog I'm going to become a champion for the fifth time."

GL: How do you feel about returning to Foxwoods your home away from home?

AF: "That's my home in the United States. The Brazilian community is big in Boston and I'm really greatful, especially to the people at Foxwoods who would love to have me there. It's always great to be out there and I'm looking forward to giving the fans a great fight."

GL: It's been a while since we've seen you look to bang somebody out. Juan Diaz doesn't take a backwards step and throws a lot of punches. Do you think someone with his style can go twelve rounds with you?

AF: "You're right on that. I'm taking anything away from him because he's one of the best in the world and he's very consistent. It's the right fight for me and Juan Diaz is a fighter who is going to come and there's no reverse. We're getting ready for fifteen rounds. If the knockout comes it comes, I'm not looking for it. But I'm looking to win and if one of my punches lands it's going to be the end of the night, that I know for sure. I am sure that I will bring home the victory."

GL: In your opinion should the winner of this fight be considered the true lightweight champion of the world, or must the winner face Casamayor to earn that regard?

AF: "They should have known who the best in the division was after I beat Zahir Raheem, but to answer your question I think the winner of this fight should have that recognition. I want to stay humble though and I want the public to be the one to introduce me as the champion of the world. I want to win it from the people and from the fans who decide who the best in each division is."

GL: I'm not sure if you guys are aware but the WBA ordered Diaz to make his mandatory defense. I'm sure this fight will happen either way, but my question is how important is it to you to fight for two belts on April 28? Does it mean a lot to you?

AF: "Back in the day the title was so important for the fighters. But today I remember when Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward held no belt and it was the best fight of the year. Titles don't mean much but us fighters want to fight the best to become the best. My goal is to be recognized through history that I beat the best in my division always representing my people. No disrespect to no titles, but our business here is to achieve more than you expect to be. You have to beat the best to become the best."

GL: Any trouble making 135?

AF: "None. Not at all."

GL: Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?

AF: "On April 28 we're going to find out, Quien es mas macho. Like always I will put on my best performance and I promise this is going to be a great fight."

M

Send questions and comments to: gleon@Boxingtalk.com