Press Conference Quotes: Freitas, Barrios, Bojado

Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime

07.08 - 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 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.

ACELINO FREITAS (33-0, 30 KOs):
“I do not have much to say here. I will do all of my talking in the ring on Saturday. Talking (trash) before a fight is typical because a fighter’s adrenaline is going. I have been training for three-and-one-half months, and am ready to go. I have great fans in Miami.”

“For those fans drinking Budweiser, drink fast because it is going to be over in a couple of rounds.”

JORGE RODRIGO BARRIOS (39-1-1, 29 KOs):
“This is a great opportunity for me. I have waited my whole life for this chance, and I am not going to waste it on Saturday night. I want to thank all of my fans, and the Argentine press.”

“Brazil and Argentina are brothers. I only have something against Freitas because he has the (130-pound) title. The only problem for Freitas is that I have no fear of him.”

TEDDY REID (21-5-1, 15 KOs):
“I am looking forward to facing Ortiz. I am in 100 percent shape, and I will take on everyone at 147 pounds.”

ELIO ORTIZ (24-5, 18 KOs):
“I am very happy to be in this fight and fighting on the undercard with two great fighters (Freitas and Barrios). I have trained very well. I expect a tough, good fight. I will give everything I have. I will be victorious, and I will win a world title someday.”

FRANCISCO BOJADO (12-1, 11 KOs):
“I am a great fan of Freitas, and look forward to fighting on the same card with him. I have been training very hard in Big Bear (California). I am ready to go. It is going to be a pleasure fighting here in Miami."