By Jhonny Gonzalez

According to reports in the Brazilian media, former world champion Acelino "Popo" Freitas has returned to training and now has a date for his ring return after four years of inactivity. The date of Saturday, September 24, is being mentioned. Freitas would take the fight in September and then reportedly face accept the challenge of unbeaten young fighter Michael Oliveira, who challenged him publicly. The Oliveira fight could take palce in December.

Although there was no official announcement, "Popo" is already back in the gym losing weight and plans to finalize details for their return to the ring. Freitas (38-2, 32 KOs) was a world champion at super featherweight and lightweight. However, at 135 pounds he suffered his only two defeats, against Diego Corrales and Juan Diaz. The latter was his last appearance in boxing, in April of 2007.

Besides those mentioned, he won bouts against Joel Casamayor, Artur Grigorian and Jorge Rodrigo Barrios. Oliveira, unbeaten in his first 15 professional fights (with 12 before the limit) issued a challenge to "Popo" last Saturday.