Summary
Popó fighting at Spaten Fight Night. Photo: William Lucas and Gaspar Nóbrega/Inovafoto
The beautiful story of Acelino Popo in boxing came to an end. Last Monday (6), at the press conference to promote the Fight Music Show 7, held in São Paulo, the former world champion announced his definitive retirement from the ring. As expected, the veteran couldn't contain his emotion when sharing his decision..
Despite being proud of his trajectory in the noble art, Popó made it clear that the main reason for hanging up his gloves was not his advanced age to compete (50 years old) but rather the general fight that occurred between his team and that of Wanderlei Silva at Spaten Fight Night 2. At the September event, the boxing icon defeated the MMA legend in the ring, but both were attacked in the ring. Wand was knocked out by Popó's son, while Acelino received a barrage of punches from André Dida, the 'Mad Dog's' friend and trainer..
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As a result of the brawl, Popó and Wanderlei were suspended by the National Boxing Council (CNB) for 180 days. Unable to forget the incident, the Bahian fighter, in his lament, described the violent scenes as shameful and, shaken, decided to hang up his gloves due to the humiliation he suffered. After announcing his retirement, fans urged the veteran to reverse his decision, but it appears he's committed.
"You have no idea how shameful it was for me to go through what I went through in that ring, to replace someone to make the event happen. Not for the money, I don't need the money. Going through that humiliation, having that guy get in the ring and punch me so many times. That, for me, was one of the worst humiliations I've ever experienced as a fighter, and it's one of the reasons I stand here today and tell Mamá and all of Brazil: my shame was so great that today I'm quitting fighting. I don't want to know anything about boxing anymore. I've never been hurt in a boxing match, but I was hurt because the guy attacked me outside of the fight. Today, I stand here, hang up my gloves, and tell you that boxing has stopped for me," declared Popó.
Acelino Popo was scheduled to measure forces with Diego Alemão, winner of BBB 7, in Fight Music Show, but he retired after undergoing hand surgery and being suspended. Throughout his boxing career, the Brazilian announced his retirement on more than one occasion, but remained active. Now, the former world champion assures that nothing will make him return to the ring..
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