Casamayor-Freitas showdown could turn out to be a classic

Dean Juipe

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001 | 9:51 a.m.

They are two fighters with almost identical credentials.

Each man is 30 years old, is undefeated and a world champion at 130 pounds.

But one is a big hitter and the other known for his elusiveness, which makes the Jan. 12 showdown between Joel Casamayor and Acelino Freitas at the Cox Pavilion a potentially memorable collision between speed and power.

Pick your poison: For all of their similarities, these guys have just enough divergent firepower to make choosing a favorite a dangerous proposition.

"It's a classic boxer (Casamayor) versus a classic puncher (Freitas)," said Art Manteris, oddsmaker for the host property, Green Valley Ranch Station Casino. "It's a pick 'em fight. It could really go either way."

Tickets go on sale today for a bout of international significance, given Casamayor's position as an Olympic gold medalist from Cuba who is also revered in his resident city of Miami, and Freitas' celebrity status in his native Brazil.

Both men were in Las Vegas Tuesday to kick off the promotion and underscore the importance of a fight that will thrust one or the other into the national spotlight.

"Somebody moves on to be a superstar," said Art Pelullo, who handles Freitas and is sharing the promotional duties with America Presents. "Neither man has fought anyone like the other."

And there's the attraction: Two elite fighters with discernible styles will vie for a preferable spot in the public's consciousness.

Both men were agreeable and polite at the press conference, yet each feels he has an upper hand.

"I believed the guy was afraid of me and I still think he is," said Casamayor, referring to Freitas and the delays in getting this long-rumored fight together. "And he has every reason to (be afraid).

"I'm a counterpuncher and he doesn't do anything but come forward. He's perfect for me."

Casamayor, who has 16 knockouts and is likely a bigger hitter than commonly perceived, implies that Freitas has been protected and that his unblemished record is a mirage.

"I've fought guys with more power," he said. "And I've always dominated.

"When our fight is over, people will be asking, 'What happened to his great punch?' ."

Freitas has won 29 of his 30 fights by knockout, a ratio of Tyson-esque proportions.

"There are no excuses," he said. "I wanted this fight as much or more than Casamayor. This is the perfect opportunity for me to show the world who I am, and I've always been a winner.

"Casamayor is an excellent fighter and I respect him as a champion; he deserves to be where he is. But I've got all the qualities to beat him and I'll do it by out-smarting him."

To which Casamayor, the World Boxing Association champion at 130, replies of Freitas, the World Boxing Organization champ, "I don't know how he can say that. Any plan he has for me isn't going to work.

"I'm going to be the winner."

Touche.