The Saturday, April 29, HBO "After Dark" lightweight unifier scored big time with a Juan Diaz-Acelino Freitas thriller that saw the "Baby Bull" rising to the occasion with an 8-round stoppage of the WBO strap holder from Brazil.

The Mexican born, Texas raised Diaz answered the opening bell with adrenaline at optimum levels as he darted from his corner with both hands flying - still, Freitas showed good movement as he held his WBA strap counterpart to a .500 BA over most the round.

Then stanza two, and the "rush" reduced to a more methodical Diaz, as he continued the pressure behind a laser left jab that repeatedly found the target - and set up the inside wear-’em-down, body to head style, that recalled flashbacks of the 1940-1950s middleweight Jake "Bronx Bull’ La Motta.

Freitas did his best to offset the constant pressure, with lateral movement and counters, but to no avail - the huffing and puffing was visible and the occasional "Hail Mary" uppercut had no affect on a kid on a mission for overdue recognition.

The Brazilian recovered following a tough round five, but was far behind in the scoring and ready to be dressed come stanza eight - and with Diaz, more in style a veteran than a kid of age 23,  sensed the end was near.

First sign of a possible Freitas surrender was at halfway mark immediately after receiving a Diaz power left hook to the body - the reaction was a hasty retreat as if in search of a fire exit - and the round would close with the "Baby Bull" pouring it on.

Then the call - Freitas retires on the corner stool end of numero ocho.

Post Scripts: Juan Diaz ( 32-0, 16 KO) ~ age 23 -  the kid’s stock has truly risen with this one. The "experts" had questioned the shortage of punching power - so much for that nonsense. In style a near finished work in the lost art of waging battle at close quarters. Reckless at times, but the norm is picking the spots to unleash the flurries and combos. The recently found stinger jab is ideal in changing the pace while setting up the inside game. Bravo covers it all.
                       Acelino Freitas ( 38-2, 32 KO) ~ age 31 - first the Corrales no-mas and now a repeat with Diaz, has reduced a past solid one. Can no longer handle quality pressure and/or incoming punching power.
                       Referee Michael Ortega ~ was nice to see Ortega returning to his rookie referee in charge days - cool, calm, collected - a refreshing change from the today norm of off the trackers we see faking the assignment. Kudos.
          
Rest of the story: The Boxing After Dark cast of three just doesn’t cut it - and with Lennox the lummox and Maxie the boy hysterian with the commentary it more resembles the ESPN2 studio carnival than yesterday’s HBO offerings. No sooner the former heavyweight champion, turned unqualified chump  moonlighting commentator is on, the feeling something is missing - a swaying gold chain with pendulum to better help put us to sleep.

Maxie boy hysterian quickly self destructs any credibility on all counts - the coup de grace is the inside ring post fite interviewing. Last night it’s repeated reminders (in Max’s alleged mind) that even if claiming all four straps, the real champion is Joel Casamayor. The "Baby Bull" no sooner adds a second belt and is told by this soon to be successor to Larry Merchant - and isn’t that a laugher- he’s not the "real" champion unless he beats the Cuban.

Before moving up to the bigger HBO stage, this company connected fraud might be better served in getting the boxing fan feel of who should be next for the new multi-titled Diaz - as in the other young breed Julio Diaz, David Diaz belt holders. Further, if indeed a Casamayor (age 35 and not the talent he once was) is a must for the hysterian’s sanction, pray tell how the name Manny Pacquiao as well entered into a possible Diaz future.

PS - Guess here is the new Juan Diaz - Don King promoter connection will help with the kid’s well earned championship recognition.