Acelino “Popó” Freitas will return to the ring on December 19, 2025, in Balneário Camboriú (SC), during the Jota Racing Challenge, which mixes motorsport, fights, technology and music. The reappearance will take place just under three months after the episode that changed the direction of the boxer’s career.
The four-time world champion will participate in the event in an official sparring format, with a focus entirely on entertainment.
Can Popó fight even though he is suspended? Or was the suspension reversed? Hadn’t he retired? THE Sporting News explains the situation.
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Can Popó fight even though he is suspended?
As it is a format completely dedicated to exhibition, Popó can enter the ring to fight. The fighter remains suspended from professional competitions after the confusion with Wanderlei Silva at Spaten Fight Night 2.
The suspension applied by the commission and the negative impact of the fight led Popó to announce his permanent retirement. Since then, the former boxer has stayed away from fights, interviews and public appearances.
The proposal of the Jota Racing Challenge is to combine modalities and create a more relaxed environment, which allows iconic figures such as Popó to participate.
Did Popó really retire?
With the new event, Popó reinforces that he will not return to professional boxing and that participation will be exclusively for entertainment. This allows him to be present without breaking the decision to leave his competitive career behind.
The retirement announcement came shortly after the confusion following the fight with Wanderlei Silva, at Spaten Fight Night, on September 27th of this year.
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Popó’s participation in the Jota Racing Challenge
In the Jota Racing Challenge, Popó will be able to freely choose his opponent for the exhibition. The fight-show will take place at Speedway Music Park, a space that will be transformed into a themed arena full of special scenography. Suspended cars, pyrotechnics, intense lighting, visual effects and giant screens will be part of the experience.
The organization promises a grandiose structure to mark Popó’s appearance. The objective is to create a complete spectacle environment, in which boxing mixes with the aesthetics of racing and technology.
In addition to Popó, the event will bring together names from motorsport and will have a show by the band Raimundos.
