Remember the trajectory of Popó, four-time world champion and boxing legend who returns to the ring against Whindersson

A. Popó is considered one of the biggest names in the history of Brazilian boxing. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Craziness? Of course, but believe me: there are people who don't know who Acelino Popó Freitas is, a boxer who faces Whindersson Nunes, this Sunday (30), in a boxing super challenge. For those curious, this profile presents you with the greatest Brazilian representative of this generation's 'noble art'. For those nostalgic, come and revisit the trajectory of the former world champion, an idol who made history in the sport, and who returns to the ring this weekend.

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Those born in the 2000s did not have the opportunity to follow Popó's peak in the ring. Fast, aggressive and a knockout artist, Luiz Dórea's disciple shone in the ring in the 1990s and early 2000s, winning four world titles in the super featherweight and lightweight divisions.

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Firstly, why 'Popó'?

Born on September 21, 1975, in the city of Salvador, Bahia, a state famous for delivering great representation to boxing fans, the legend was baptized as Acelino Freitas. 'Popó' came over time, in a nickname 'gifted' by the mother, Zuleica Freitas, who referred to the sound of her son when he was breastfed.

Little did Dona Zuleica know that she would be creating a 'war cry'. A name that would be shouted by names like Galvão Bueno, an icon of Brazilian television when narrating sporting events.

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Beginnings in amateur boxing

Like a large part of the Brazilian population, Acelino had a poor childhood. 'Created' from Cidade Nova, on the outskirts of Salvador, the Bahian was also the son of Niljalma Freitas, a boxer, and brother of three other boxers.

The beginning of Freitas' success in the 'noble art' happened in 1989, at the age of 14, when the athlete became Bahian amateur boxing champion. From then on, Acelino never stopped. In 1992, the young man went further and won the Brazilian Champion belt.

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The year 1995 was also of great importance for Popó. Chosen for the Brazilian team at the Pan-American Games in Mar Del Plata, Argentina, the 'young man' from Salvador won a silver medal. Awarded in the competition, the athlete revealed, in an interview with 'Band', that he gave his mother a refrigerator, something out of the family's reality at that time.

Success at the Pan American Games led Popó to professional boxing. Dreaming of 'gold', the Brazilian knew that, from that moment on, it was 'win or win' to achieve his dream of winning a world title.

Popó reaches the professionals

July 14, 1995 is marked in Acelino’s life. On this day, the boxer had his first fight as a professional boxer. The result ended up being along the lines that made him famous worldwide. Against Adriano José Soares, Popó knocked him out, and quickly, in the first round.

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From his debut to his first world title, there were 19 appearances, winning in all engagements and, as a bonus, all by knockout. Against Anatoly Alexandrov, for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world title, Freitas was once again shocking. On August 7, 1999, in France, against the Kazakh, Popó achieved his dream stardom and in a brutal way.

In a fight scheduled for 12 rounds, the Brazilian didn't want to mess around. The athlete needed just over a minute to run over his opponent, who remained on the canvas for around five minutes, as a result of the Bahian's hard blows.

As WBO super featherweight champion, he defended his belt 11 times. Amidst the challenges, the athlete from Salvador also won the World Boxing Association (WBA) title in 2002, when he defeated Joel Casamayor, in a confrontation held in Las Vegas (USA).

After his 10th belt defense, the Bahian received the title of 'Superchampion', an award given by the World Boxing Organization.

Second world title

Popó's success in boxing was not limited to super featherweight. In January 2004, the Brazilian, undefeated in the 'noble art', received the opportunity to compete for the lightweight belt.

The clash for the second title took place against Artur Grigorian. In a 12-round confrontation, Acelino was declared the winner in a unanimous decision by the judges, adding another WBO belt.

First defeat and redemption

The champion's first stumble occurred on August 7, 2004, in his first defense of his lightweight throne. The negative result came against Diego Corrales, by knockout in the 10th round.

Popó's successful career in super featherweight allowed the Bahian to receive the opportunity to regain the WBO lightweight throne in April 2006, in a clash for the vacant belt. Against Zahir Raaheem, the Tupiniquim did not have an easy life, but, in a split decision, he regained the category title.

First retirement

After retaking the lightweight throne in 2006, Popó returned to the ring in April of the following season to face Juan Diaz. In the confrontation, Acelino ended up defeated by withdrawal and, at that moment, he left the sport.

Back against promise

In 2012, a young boxing talent emerged into the sport and decided, 'for good', to challenge Popó to a confrontation. Michel Oliveira was undefeated in his career in the 'noble art' and understood that, to promote his name, there was nothing better than proposing a clash against a legend.

Annoyed, Popó, at the time, said he was disrespected and accepted the commitment to face a younger opponent who did not know the taste of defeat. The fight took place in Uruguay and, in a tough way, Acelino 'taught' his opponent that he was still capable of performing at a high level. The victory came in his greatest style, a hard knockout in the ninth round.

After beating Michel, Popó entered the ring on two more occasions. In 2015, the Bahian faced and overcame Argentine Mateo Veron, also via fast track. In 2015, Mexican Gabriel Martínez was the Bahian's last victim, on points. Since the episode, Freitas has remained away from the ring.

Superchallenge against youtuber

Following the mold of success in the challenges of brothers Jake and Logan Paul, Acelino Popó Freitas, 46 years old, and Whindersson Nunes, 27, decided to bring the North American YouTubers show format to Brazil. The kickoff takes place this Sunday (30), in Florianópolis (SC), in a show that features boxing, kickboxing and MMA clashes.

The protagonism of theFight Music Show' is up to Popó and the internet phenomenon, Whindersson Nunes. The star challenge began at the end of 2020, but only took shape and was confirmed at the end of 2021.

While Acelino brings with him a record of 43 professional fights, with 41 wins and two losses, Whindersson brings his passion for the 'noble art' and a commitment made to amateur boxing.

Provocations aside, Nunes has shown respect for the former world champion and guarantees that he will deliver everything in the ring. Popó, on the other side, guarantees that the duel will be 'for real', with the possibility of a knockout.

In addition to Popó and Whindersson, Rogério Minotouro, ex-UFC, takes part in the co-main fight, in which he faces Leonardo 'Leleco' Guimarães. Candidate for future world boxing champion, Esquiva Falcão will also be on the show. The athlete faces ex-BBB Yuri Fernandes.

The role of presenter will be played by comedian Tirulipa. The musical part will be led by Wesley Safadão.