Raheem’s lack of exposure on the main stage and inconsistent ring activity is what has stifled his career thus far.  After compiling an amateur record of 213-4, he would go on to fight in the 1996 Olympics, losing in his second fight against Cuban Arnaldo Mesa. 

Raheem’s first big exposure as a professional was on HBO Boxing After Dark against the highly touted featherweight Rocky Juarez in July of 2004.  After getting his chance at center stage, Zahir came up short, much like his Olympic hopes.  Zahir lost the fight by unanimous decision, blaming poor refereeing and problems with making weight.  Unlike the Olympics, he would get another shot to prove to boxing fans that he is a true champion.   

In September of 2005 Raheem stepped up to Mexican legend Erik Morales in a fight for the vacant WBC International Lightweight Title.  Considering his last showing on HBO, few gave him a chance against the heavier Morales.  His control of the veteran Morales surprised all.  Raheem kept Morales out of his game with excellently timed counter punching.  He consistently disrupted his opponent’s rhythm throughout the fight, battering Morales with overhand rights, and a lunging jab.  Raheem displayed superb ring generalship against a fighter who is known for controlling fights.  He proved his weight issues were in fact a problem and soundly beat Morales.  Acelino Freitas will have his hands full on Saturday night. 

The Brazilian bomber was last seen on the big screen in a fight against the blood and guts warrior Diego Corrales.  Until he faced Corrales, Freitas had compiled a record of 35-0 with 31 coming by way of knock out.  Popo was a top dog in the division.  Freitas dominated the fight early on.  Until the 8th round, Freitas was out boxing Corrales, landing accurate counter punches off his opponent’s forward aggression.  Fatigue set in, and he was unable to keep up the uncanny pace with which he fought the first 7 rounds.  After knockdowns in the 8th, 9th, and 3 in round 10, he told the ref he wanted ‘no mas.’   It was no upset, as Corrales is known for being a puncher.  Having a fighter go from 35-0 to quitting in the 10th in his last big fight makes for a tough comeback. 

The bout this Saturday should prove interesting.  Both men have something to prove.  It will be interesting to see how Freitas has recovered mentally from his loss.  Raheem is no power puncher, but he comes to his fights conditioned.  Freitas is going to get his opportunity to win back his professional pride.  He has a chance to prove to fans that he still has what it takes to be champion.  A loss at this point in his career could severely affect his marketability. 

Raheem is under a different kind of pressure.  After several shortcomings, he has finally reached the main stage.  Can he keep the limelight, or will he wilt underneath it?  This is a good question considering his inconsistencies in the past.  A win against Freitas will further solidify his claim as champion and allow for much more lucrative showdowns against other top Lightweights.  Fights such as Jose Luis Castillo, Diego Corrales, Juan Diaz, and Jesus Chavez would all bring in dollar figures a champion deserves. 

Raheem will enter the fight Saturday with a speed advantage.  Speed kills, as they say, but when you have cement fists like Freitas anything can happen.  It's not likely Raheem will have much of a chance to knock out Freitas, but he could cause fits for the Brazilian in the same manner that he did with Morales.  The biggest worry for Raheem is fatigue in the later rounds.  Should he tire out in the later rounds, he will be susceptible to Freitas’ power. 

Freitas also offers lateral movement in such an awkward manner that even a skilled Philly fighter like Raheem could have problems making adjustments.  Will the Philly fighter be too busy, or will the Brazilian impose his strength and will? This Saturday night fight fans will see if the Z man gets X’d, or if Popo goes pop.