NEW YORK, NY—Acelino Freitas and Juan Diaz each predicted a victory today at a press conference 24 days before their historic unification lightweight title fight April 28 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. The two fighters meet April 4 at a press conference in The Friar’s Club in midtown Manhattan. Tickets for the April 28 bout are at $250, $150, $100 and are available at Foxwoods box office at (800) 200-2882 and on at www.Foxwoods.com.
“Both of these guys come at you,” said Arthur Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions and promoter of record for the fight.
“I want to thank Popo Freitas for giving me this opportunity,” said Juan Diaz of Houston, the WBA lightweight world champion. “I feel unstoppable. Come April 28, I will give it my all.”
“I want to thank Don King for giving me the opportunity of fulfilling my dream of fighting one of his fighters,” said Acelino Freitas..
The bout card will be the 100th fight card in Foxwoods’ illustrious 15-year history.
Diaz promoter Don King called the bout one of the greatest ever.
“This is history in the making,” said King, noting that press conference day marks the 39th of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, and adding that the bout was a multi-ethnic fight that celebrates freedom. “The fact of the matter is that we have a fight on our hands,” said King, calling Diaz the next Julio Cesar Chavez.
Freitas is from Brazil, Diaz is Mexican-American, King is African-American and Pellulo is Italian-American.
Acelino Freitas-Juan Diaz Press Conference
(Acelino Freitas, on left, posing with Juan Diaz) 03.04.07 – SOMERVILLE, MA—Acelino Freitas and Juan Diaz squared off today at a press conference 25 days before their historic unification lightweight boxing title fight April 28 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. Both fighters said they were already in excellent shape and are looking forward to the 12-round WBO-WBA lightweight championship of the world. The bout card will be the 100th fight card in Foxwood’s illustrious 15-year history.
“We’re looking forward to hosting more of these boxing fights” in the new 4,600-seat arena now under construction on the reservation as part of the new MGM Grand at Foxwoods, said Gary Border, Senior Vice President of Property Marketing. “Regardless of the winner of the fight, we’re the big winners and our customers will be the big winners of this fight.”
“This is the most significant lightweight fight in the world said Arthur Pelullo, the promoter of record and president of Banner Promotions.
“These two guys are at different stages of their boxing careers. Freitas is 31 years old and looking for his fifth world title. Diaz is 23 years old and if he beats Freitas” he will launch himself into boxing history.
“Diaz comes to fight. He’s relentless in his pursut. He’s one of boxing’s true young stars,” said Bob Goodman of the Don King organization.
Quotes from fighters
Juan Diaz
“I think this will be a great fight. I’m a three-year boxing champion at only 23 years old and I’m at the point of my career where I need to show the entire boxing world that I am a true champion. I know he’s a great fighter but come April 28 I’ll be in the greatest shape in my life. Come April 28, I will not be denied.
Acelino Freitas
“Based on history the older man should give the young boy a spanking. So on April 28 I will give him a spanking.”
What’s his prediction? “Victory. I’m ready for 15 rounds.” (Note: The fight is 12 rounds.)
Is Freitas afraid of an undefeated champion? “No. Casamayor was undefeated when I fought him for the unified title.” (2002 in Las Vegas.)