The new HBO After-Dark series debuted last evening on something of an off key note - on paper what was to be a decent lightweight affair between past multi-strap holder Acelino Freitas and late blooming Zahir Raheem resulted in 12 rounds of respective fistic futility.

How bad was this "title" tilt? Bad enough for this viewer scorecard to simply repeat "even" following the end of each round - then the final bell and I had it a standoff - the facts are neither guy showed enough of an edge to deserve having his arm raised in title recognition - even among the WBO membership.

They both tried - call it a bad mix of styles for loss of a better description - Freitas with something of a new found fite version of a prevent-defense - while on the offense. A wild overhand right hand sometimes found the Raheem jaw but with no results. Meanwhile, Zahir would counter with a carefully chosen counter jab or short right hand - not nearly often enough to convince all scorekeepers he was the same Raheem that once bested Erik the terrible.

The hint this one would bomb like an off-Broadway bummer arrived as early as the opening stanza, with the highlight being one of them new century  21 "inadvertent" clash of the heads - Freitas came out with an abrasion while Raheem instantly started leaking from the left eye-lid.

Eventually brought me back to them 1950-60s, and watching a Gene Fullmer work his magic - the mauling version, with the head first assault supported by what passed as a jab - there was more varied inadvertents in this one with the mutually safety-first chess match, that would repeatedly bring them together at close quarters.

And then the scoring: Raheem 115-113, Freitas 115-113, 116-112 - understand, this was no Brinks job, or Jesse James choo-choo heist, what it was, as commentator Lennox Lewis gently labeled it, a judge's nightmare. The former heavy champion tossed that in to possibly soothe the feelings of the HBO debuting Max Kellerman in role of Harold Lederman, with a "wrong" tabulation of Raheem winning in a landslide.

Speaking of the new commentator team working the "After Dark," I think I can live with Fran Charles and gentleman Lennox - Maxie hysterian? Hey, comedy soothes the soul.

Closing comments: Acelino Freitas ~ feelings here is the "No-Mas" in the Diego Corrales misadventure appears to have had lasting negative effects - guy is visibly cautious of incoming, regardless of the sniper.

                                  Zahir Raheem ~ maybe just me … but just maybe the likable Zahir got himself caught up in the entourage game. The walk in wardrobe was more Mary Poppins than combat ready camouflage. And the collective shouting in the ear carried negative overtones. Have seen it with others suddenly on crest of making it big. Raheem was not smooth and slick, but overly careful and restrictive in available counter opportunities.

                                 Other lightweight share holders can breathe easy … doubt Freitas is successful in with the likes of a Castillo, Corrales, Juan Diaz to name a couple.

GEL -

Questions and comments can be emailed to George Elsasser

4-29-2006