"Homecoming" for Manfredo!

Story by Mark Vaz
Photos by Emily Harney

When Peter Manfredo, Jr. returns to the ring in his native Providence, RI at the Twin River Casino this Friday to face the game Jhon Berrio in a scheduled ten round bout, it will be his first fight under contract with his new promoter, Lou DiBella.

When we last saw the season one “Contender” favorite, he stopped the game Angel Hernandez for the IBO middleweight title. That fight was under the banner of TKO Boxing, the third in a three-fight deal.

Following that bout, Manfredo, Jr. along with manager Larry Army and his father and trainer Peter, Sr. had a desire to get back into televised bouts and to secure a big payday which brought them to DiBella, a man they believe can get it done.

“If you want the opportunities, Lou is the guy to get them for you,” commented Peter, Sr.

DiBella is teaming with Rhode Island Boxing Czar Jimmy Burchfield for Manfredo's homecoming at Twin River Event Center.

The veteran promoter Burchfield has developed an excellent following for his quality shows at the Twin River and this Friday's “Homecoming King” event showcasing the “The Pride of Providence” promises to be an fantastic show.

“Peter is an exciting kid, and not many fighters have a fan base like he does,” said DiBella.

FightNews had the opportunity to chat with Manfredo, Jr. this week about his upcoming fight and his career plans.

FightNews: What do you think about fighting back in Providence?

Manfredo, Jr.: I’m thrilled to be back in front of my hometown. I love my fans here and they have always supported me. It’s been two years since I’ve been in the ring here, and that wasn’t the best fight of my career.

FightNews: You’re talking about the Bika fight?

Manfredo, Jr.: Yes, I was fighting at 168, and fought top guys at that weight, but I’m just not big enough for that weight division. Those guys walk around 190, 200 pounds. I’m a lot more comfortable at middleweight where I’m the same size as them.

FightNews: That showed with your title fight against Angel Hernandez.

Manfredo, Jr.: Exactly. I felt I was the stronger guy in there (with Hernandez). For once, I didn’t step into the ring giving away 15 pounds by fight time.

FightNews: What are your plans in the middleweight division?

Manfredo, Jr.: One of the reasons for signing with Lou DiBella was to get to the big fights in that division. Pavlik is floating around somewhere, but two of the other champs are Germans, the WBC is up for grabs with Paul Williams and Sergio Martinez. I’d like a shot at someone there, preferably IBF champ Sebastian Sylvester.

FightNews: What do you see as your short term goal?

Manfredo, Jr.: I’m hoping to get back on tv early in the year. Lou has been talking about a possible ESPN date, and after that, hopefully a shot at Sylvester in Germany. I’m ranked fairly high in the IBF, and everyone thinks it’s a very feasible fight. That’s if he is successful in his title defense later in the month. When I was growing up, Vinnie Paz was my idol, and he was the IBF champ, which is another reason I’d love to win that title.

FightNews: What brought you to DiBella Entertainment?

Manfredo, Jr: We really wanted to be with a big-time promoter, and Lou seemed like the perfect fit. He does a great job building fighters in their backyards, and gives them the tv fights. Let’s face it, to get the big fights, you need to be on television.

FightNews: Lou is working in association with Jimmy Burchfield on this fight, your former promoter. How’s that worked out for everyone.

Manfredo, Jr: It’s worked out very well, Jimmy’s a wonderful guy. I was with him most of my career and he did a great job with me. Jimmy’s a true professional.

FightNews: How many more fights will we see you in?

Manfredo, Jr: I’m still young, but I’ve been boxing for a long, long time. If all goes according to plan, and I won the IBF belt, I’d like to fight a unification bout with a big name, and maybe think about retiring after that. It’d be great to walk away with two belts and some money to retire on. I’ve worked hard, I’d like to be able to spend time with my family and enjoy life.

FightNews: Thanks Peter! Good luck this Friday!

Manfredo, Jr: Thanks! I want to thank my family for all the support and to all my fans for being there for me my whole career. Come out to see me at Twin River!

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IBO middleweight champion “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo Jr. returns to his roots this Friday headlining the “Homecoming King” in a ten-round, non-title fight against Colombian power-puncher Jhon Berrio at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I.

“Homecoming King” is presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc (CES) in association with DiBella Entertainment and Twin River.

Tickets are available by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254) or at the Twin River’s Players Club booth or any TicketMaster location (including online). Contact CES for information about VIP tables with private wait service.

Doors open at 6p ET and the first bout is at 7p ET.

Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for the “Homecoming King” event. Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.