Freitas reclaims a title by split decision

By Scott Shaffer

30/04/2006

Freitas reclaims a title by split decision

Zahir Raheem and Acelino Freitas waged a competitive but somewhat tactical battle at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. Freitas prevailed by split decision, 115-113 Raheem, 115-113 Freitas and 116-112 Freitas. With the narrow victory, Freitas reclaimed the vacant WBO lightweight title, a belt he held befoe losing it to Diego Corrales. With Raheem riding high off last year's victory over Erik Morales, this fight was thought to be Freitas' swansong from the sport. Although Raheem was seen as the hungrier fighter coming in, the Brazilian appeared to enjoy the advantage in hand speed as well as power, something not often in boxer vs. puncher match-ups.  In his HBO debut, commentator Max Kellerman saw Raheem as the winner 115-113, but he also agreed the verdict could have gone the other way. Raheem, who fought with a cut over his eye, led the Compubox Punchstats tally, 123-118, but Freitas landed the harder punches. source: HBO Boxing After Dark