WBA NEWS

Mendoza and Barrios analyze Diaz vs. Freitas

On Saturday night, one of the most attractive fights that boxing can offer these days will come off as WBA

Lightweight champion Juan Diaz unifies his title against WBA king Acelino Freitas at the Foxwoods

Resort and Casino in Connecticut.

Undoubtedly, this fight is very tough to call as a experienced and formidable puncher like Freitas takes on a

punching machine like Diaz, younger and probably hungrier than his opponent.

Asked about this showdown, World Boxing Association's Executive Vice-President Gilberto Jesus

Mendoza gave his point of view about it.

"I think we'll have a terrific fight on Saturday. Juan Diaz is one of our best champions and this will be his first

great opportunity to get the exposure he deserves, by facing a big name in boxing like Freitas," Mendoza

said.

"This is a breaktrough bout for Diaz, who is still young and hungry. But on the other hand Acelino has proven

more than once that he is a tremendous puncher who can finish you off any time with a single punch. So

nothing can be taken for granted on this fight," Mendoza explained.

"However, one thing is for sure: boxing fans are the real winners with this kinds of super fights. That's why

the WBA worked very hard in order to encourage this unification, which was possible thanks to various

promoters willingness to make an agreement. I hope this is just the first of a series of unification bouts that

everybody wants to see. We at the WBA will do everything in our power to support them," the official

concluded.

Another valuable opinion comes from former WBO Super Featherweight champion Jorge "La Hiena"

Barrios of Argentina, who lost to Freitas in what it was considered one of the best fights of 2003.

"Freitas is a coward, a fighter without heart. He proved that by not giving me the rematch, first, and then

when he quit against Diego Corrales. That's why I think he has no chance against a gug like Diaz, who

presses the action all the time. Freitas doesn't like being attacked, and Diaz will exactly do that," the

current WBA Intercontinental 130 lbs. Barrios said.

"Diaz is 100% the favorite for this one and I wouldn't be surprised if Freitas quits in the middle of the fight,"

the Argentinean idol added.

.................................................................................................................

More News:

- WBA, WBC, and IBF Presidents join efforts

- Sauerland coach Uli Wegner turns 65 today

- Kalle Sauerland honored!

- WBA and WBC Presidents together

And the latest WBA fighter rankings at: www.wbaonline.com.

- From the World Boxing Association with a little editing from us (color, some highlights, etc...)

- Photo courtesy of the WBA

(4/27/07)