Rafael Freitas, who knocked out Silva, was not suspended
The Brazilian National Boxing Council has handed Wanderlei Silva, Acelino Freitas, and their cornermen lengthy suspensions after the brawl that unfolded immediately after the main event of Spaten Fight Night 2 this past Saturday in Sao Paulo.
Members from both teams entered the ring after former PRIDE champion Silva was disqualified for numerous fouls against the experienced boxer, which led to a brutal knockout suffered by Silva.
CNB informed MMA Fighting that both Silva and Freitas were given 180-day suspensions and are banned from any event sanctioned by CNB. The entity said they will also inform other commissions of the suspension.
Acelino’s son Rafael Freitas, the man who knocked Silva unconscious, was not suspended since he was not a cornerman, therefore he can’t be sanctioned by the commission. CNB said, however, that they will recommend his ban for indefinite time from boxing events.
Andre Dida, Silva’s longtime coach, was hit with a 365-day suspension. Dida landed at least two clean punches to Freitas’ face during the brawl. It remains to be seen if MMA commissions in Brazil will also follow the CNB suspension and ban Dida for that period.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, who was in Silva’s corner and threw punches in the brawl, was not sanctioned by CNB.
Luis Claudio Freitas and Iago Gutierrez Freitas, members of Acelino’s team, were also hit with 180-day bans, while Lucas Pontes da Silva received a 90-day suspension.
Category: General Sports
