Sports
Chaos Erupts After Popó Freitas Defeats Wanderlei Silva at Spaten Fight Night
São Paulo, SP — The highly anticipated boxing match between Acelino “Popó” Freitas and Wanderlei Silva took an unexpected turn on Saturday night, September 27, 2025, at the Spaten Fight Night event. The fight, which was expected to last eight rounds, ended prematurely in the fourth round due to a series of penalties against Silva.
Initially, Silva took the offensive, pushing Popó against the ropes early on. However, Freitas managed to counter and landed significant blows on Silva, who struggled to keep up. As the rounds progressed, tensions heightened, with both fighters exchanging hard hits and warnings for illegal moves.
In the second round, Popó capitalized on Silva’s slip, knocking him down briefly. Silva attempted to regain control in the third round but was again penalized when he headbutted Popó. By the fourth round, referees were forced to intervene repeatedly due to Silva’s infractions, which included additional illegal strikes. Ultimately, Silva was disqualified after losing three points for his actions.
Following the referee’s decision, chaos erupted in the ring as members from both fighters’ teams rushed in, leading to a violent confrontation. Amidst the scuffle, one team member knocked Silva out cold, causing a significant disturbance that security struggled to contain.
Popó, now a four-time world champion, showcased impressive technique throughout the fight, but the night is marred by the post-fight melee. Wanderlei Silva, 49, appeared dazed and left the ring bleeding after the altercation.
The Spaten Fight Night not only featured this main event but also several other matches, showcasing both veterans and rising stars in the boxing scene.
