Acelino Freitas vs Orlando Soto

At the Ginásio de Esportes Nilson Nelson in Brasília on January 27, 2001, WBO Junior Lightweight champion Acelino Freitas faced Panamanian challenger Orlando Soto in his sixth title defence. Despite Soto's experience, including a 1994 IBF featherweight title challenge against Tom Johnson, the size advantage he appeared to hold over Freitas proved irrelevant.

Freitas immediately implemented his trademark aggressive style, though Soto initially showed defensive awareness with effective upper-body movement. The champion's pressure created an opening for a straight right that dropped Soto to one knee in the corner, forcing referee Raul Caiz Sr to issue a standing eight count.

Upon resumption, Freitas trapped Soto against the ropes, where a combination of right uppercut and straight right produced a second knockdown. Caiz Sr had seen enough, halting the contest at 2:13 of the opening round. The Maldonado Promotions event extended Freitas's unbeaten record to 29-0, while Soto fell to 30-7, marking his second unsuccessful world title bid.