National Conference Call Transcript: Acelino Freitas, Jorge Rodrigo Barrios

05.08 - Undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA)/World Boxing Organization (WBO) 130-pound Champion Acelino "Popo" Freitas will defend both of his titles for the third time when he takes on WBO Latin American 130-pound Champion and current WBA & WBO No. 2 contender, Jorge Rodrigo Barrios, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Saturday, Aug. 9, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Freitas, who captured the WBA belt with a victory over previously unbeaten Joel Casamayor on SHOWTIME Jan. 12, 2002, will make his third WBA and 10th WBO defense. In the Aug. 9 co-features, North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Welterweight Champion Teddy Reid will defend his crown for the second time when he battles WBA FEDECENTRO Welterweight Champion Elio Ortiz, and World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Champion Francisco "Panchito" Bojado will face National Boxing Association (NBA) Lightweight Champion Lemuel Nelson. Banner Promotions will promote the card from Miami Arena.

Question: Acelino, welcome. How are things going and what are your thoughts about this Saturday's title defense

Freitas: I feel very good. I am expecting a victory and I am going to shut Barrios up.

Question: Jorge, what are your thoughts going into this fight?

Barrios: It is not the biggest fight of my life, but it is the biggest fight of my career as a boxer. I have a big mouth, but I can also fight, and on Aug. 9 there will be a new champion.

Question: Jorge, please talk about your popularity in Argentina?

Barrios: I am very popular because aside from being on television, I am one of the most famous models in Argentina. The most important is that I like to talk, but I back it all up in the ring. I always sell out whenever I compete in Argentina. In Argentina, everyone either hates me or loves me

Question: Acelino, Barrios calls you papa fritas (French fries). What do you think about that?

Freitas: It is normal. Barrios wants to get all the attention right now because during the fight he is not going to last long.

Question: Acelino, Barrios also says you have no defense and that you get tired in the late rounds. What is your response to that?

Freitas: The one with the big mouth will say whatever he wants, but he will see on Aug. 9.

Question: Acelino, how much more intensity does fighting an opponent from Argentina bring out in you and in your fans?

Freitas: I am a professional and I will be ready for any fighter that challenges me. I think the Brazilian fans will be excited because there is a rivalry between these two countries. At the moment it is strictly business and I plan on giving my fans what they want.

Question: Acelino, does the divorce with your wife have any affect on your training?

Freitas: Like I said, I am a professional and the divorce is just one thing happening in my life. I fought right after my father's death last year. These things happen and I won't let these sorts of things affect my training, and I will remain focused on the fight.

Question: Jorge, what does it mean that your opponent is from a rival country?

Barrios: There is no rivalry between Argentina and Brazil because we are all brothers. I look forward to the challenge on Aug. 9 because I feel there are a lot more challenges besides the champion in the 130-pound division.

Question: What will be the outcome of the fight?

Freitas: I expect to win very fast -- two rounds. One is for him to run, and one is for him to fall down.

Barrios: I am sure I will knock him out in the seventh.

Question: Acelino, since you have been working with Oscar Suarez, what sort of improvements have you made defensively so far?

Freitas: I am very happy with Oscar. I am getting better with each fight and I will fight smarter this time around.

Question: Acelino, what are you looking to do past this fight?

Freitas: I never look ahead and I am focused on this fight and this opponent.

Question: Has celebrity in Brazil affected your career negatively at all?

Freitas: Popularity is positive. I don't feel any added pressure because of it. I will be ready.