Thread: Peter Manfredo JR Plans to Prove that he is a Legitimate Contender This Saturday

Peter Manfredo JR Plans to Prove that he is a Legitimate Contender This Saturday Night
Interview by Dan Hernandez-December 3, 2007

“In this fight I feel very confident I am a better boxer than (Jeff) Lacy.” -- Peter Manfredo, JR.

With a stellar amateur boxing record of 154 wins and less than 30 losses, Peter Manfredo, JR., turned pro. His professional record stands at, 28-4, 13 KO’s, and he is fighting on the undercard of the Ricky Hatton-Floyd Mayweather, JR., super bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 8, 2007. His opponent is former IBO & IBF Super Middleweight Titleholder, Jeff Lacy and it appears to be one terrific match-up. Both men were defeated by current Super Middleweight King, Joe Calzaghe, and are attempting to re-establish their position as top contenders for a title shot.

In 2005, Peter entered the reality TV show “The Contender,” and was part of the East Coast Team. He surprised the experts by losing in the first round to Alfonso Gomez; however, he was given a reprieve when Jeff Fraza was withdrawn from that competition with the chickenpox. He said he was brought back by “fate.” Defeating Miguel Espino in his second chance at the first round and went on to meet Joey Gilbert in the second round. An accidental head butt ended that fight with Peter earning an abbreviated points victory. He was re-matched with Gomez and won. He fought in the final, losing to Sergio Mora for the Contender Championship.

Manfredo lost again to Mora in a hotly disputed split decision on October 15, 2005, at the Staples center in Los Angeles, California. Manfredo then fought Scott Pemberton in a sold out Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, on February 2, 2006, winning by a dramatic third round knockout on an ESPN televised event.

After stopping Joey Spina in the third round, Peter was matched with the undefeated Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe for his title. It was Calzaghe’s 20th successful defense of his title when he stopped Manfredo in three rounds. The fight took place on April 7, 2007, at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, and was aired by HBO in the United States.

The 27 year old, Providence, Rhode Island native has defeated two top contenders since that loss and is once again ready to take on the best in the division. I spoke with Peter as he was training for his upcoming fight with Jeff Lacy.

DH: Is this fight coming up a big one for you?

Definitely, it’s the biggest one so far in my career. This will get me back to where I need to be

DH: Do you have a good fight plan?

Yeah, of course. You know me and Freddie (Roach) have a great game plan and I’m in great shape, I’m looking good, I’m sharp. I’m gonna go in there next Saturday night and do it.

DH: Has Freddie worked mainly on your offense?

Yeah, he’s offensively minded, but a lot of people don’t know that a good offense is a good defense. He works on what you need to do to win the fight. I think he’s one of the best in the game.

DH: It’s nice to have confidence in who you’re working with.

Exactly.

DH: Tell me about the Calzaghe fight, does he hit very hard?

No, he didn’t really hit me hard at all...I was never hurt. He just threw a barrage of punches and I thought I’d wear him out a little bit. I was planning to come on in the fourth, fifth, or sixth round, so I hadn’t even gotten started yet. It was just the third round when they stopped it and I wasn’t even warmed up yet.
You know I lost my trainer half way before the fight. Freddie went to help (Oscar) De La Hoya so there were a lot of things that didn’t go right, but it was a good experience for me and the bottom line is making money for my family. That’s why I do this.

DH: If you were to fight Calzaghe again what would you do different?

I would just have to go right after him. I would just attack him and throw a bunch of shots and try to wear him out. Go forward; I wouldn’t stay against the ropes this time.

DH: You’re fighting on the Hatton-Mayweather, JR., card. How exciting is that for you?

Yep. It’s the big one. You can’t beat that buddy.

DH: When did you start boxing?

I’ve been in the gym all my life since I was five. I had my first fight in 1988 when I was seven.

DH: Did your dad get you started?

Yeah, he started me in karate school and kickboxing. There was no money there so he sent me into boxing. And obviously as a kid, we didn’t know anything back then and I just threw as many punches as I could and I enjoyed it...it was nice. And coming out of high school, I needed to make money and I didn’t want to work 9 to 5 so I thought I could see what I could do in the boxing game.
Then I got on the Contender show and that was like the change in my life right there.

DH: How was your experience on The Contender?

The Contender was the best! I mean, if I had never come back on the show and lost I would probably be nowhere right now. But by making it to the finale, I was able to get contracts and because of NBC, no matter where I go people know who I am. So it was a great experience, it was a great benefit for my career.

DH: You got to meet a lot of big stars didn’t you?

Sylvester Stallone, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, a bunch of movie stars, James Caan and others.

DH: Were they all nice people?

They were all nice people, they treat everybody right.

DH: How long do you expect to stay in boxing?

Well, I take one fight at a time. We’ll see what happens. In this fight I feel very confident I am a better boxer than Lacy.

DH: Do you still enjoy boxing?

Oh yes, I’m very excited.

DH: Are you married Peter?

I’m married and I have three kids. 5, 2, and 5 months. I have two girls and just had the boy.

DH: Congratulations.

Thank you buddy.

DH: How is the relationship between you and your father?

Yeah, me and my old man have a good relationship...You know I see him everyday of my life, we go to the gym and we’re good friends too.

DH: If you see him everyday you better get along. Do you live close by also?

Actually he lives about an hour away.

DH: Are you in the right place financially?

Yes, thanks to the show. It made all the difference.

DH: Do you have any difficulty training and staying in shape?

No, I always make the weight, it’s no problem. I don’t think I can get under 168; I’m probably 175 right now. But I’m made to be fat...I’m an Italian kid and I like to eat. I enjoy all types of food and that’s the toughest part of the job I’m in, but you gotta do it.

DH: You have to keep your goals firmly in mind, don’t you?

Exactly and that’s what motivates me to stay in shape and like I say, make money for my family.

DH: You figure you’ll be retired by 30 or 32?

Yeah, that’s the plan; I’ll be out of it.

DH: What are your plans for after boxing?

I don’t know yet, I haven’t decided. I’ve invested in a lot of real estate and it’s doing good right now. Maybe I’ll get into commercial real estate; I’m purely residential right now. I mean I’ve put my money into the right places. I make my own decisions and take my shots, take my chances.

DH: You fought Frankie Randall. How was he to fight?

I knocked him out in the 6th or 7th with a body shot but even older he still had some tricks of the trade as he tried to catch me a couple of times and tried to lure me into some mistakes. It was a good learning experience. Any of those experienced fighters can teach you a lot.

DH: Besides Calzaghe, who was the toughest or most difficult fighter you’ve met?

Sergio Mora from the Contender show, because he is so awkward, you know he turns lefty, he turns righty, and he doesn’t use a jab. He was a little awkward and easily one of the toughest guys I’ve met.

DH: Are you eager to fight him again?

Yeah, I’d love to fight him again. We’re in two different weight classes now but if the time comes I would love to fight him again. Why not?

DH: That would be a good show. Would you like to add to what you’ve said?

I just want to let everybody know that I’m going to give 110% next Saturday night and I hope everybody enjoys it and just stay tuned and watch it.

(Interviewer's Note: I would like to thank Peter Manfredo, SR., for helping to set up this interview.)

Peter Manfredo, JR
(Super-Middleweight)
Professional Record: 32 fights; 28+ (13 KO’s), 4-

- 2000 -

+ (Sep-22-2000, Cranston) Steve GARRETT 4
+ (Nov-17-2000, Cranston) Francisco ARROCHE 4
+ (Dec-22-2000, Ledyard) Cornell HESTER retiring 3

- 2001 -

+ (Mar-2-2001, Cranston) Ron CARNELL ko 1
+ (May-4-2001, Uncasville) Manuel Manny TEO kot 4
+ (Jun-2-2001, Cranston) Antonio BAKER kot 4
+ (Aug-10-2001, Ledyard) Rhon ROBERTS 4
+ (Sep-21-2001, Cranston) Troy BARNES 4
+ (Nov-2-2001, Ledyard) Ian GARDENER 4
+ (Nov-16-2001, Cranston) Kenny STUBBS kot 4
+ (Dec-13-2001, Uncasville) Lennox John LEWIS 6

- 2002 -

+ (Mar-1-2002, Ledyard) Tommy ATTARDO 4
+ (Apr-4-2002, Ledyard) Grady BREWER 8
+ (May-25-2002, Cranston) Mike MC FAIL ko 8
+ (Jul-26-2002, Cranston) Charles CLARK 10
+ (Oct-4-2002, Providence) Frankie RANDALL ko 7

- 2003 -

+ (Apr-26-2003, Brockton) Ron JOHNSON ko 2
+ (Jun-27-2003, Providence) Victor ROSADO 10
+ (Sep-12-2003, Philadelphia) Leonard TOWNSEND kot 6

- 2004 -

+ (Jan-23-2004, Mashantucket) Sherwin DAVIS kot 6
+ (May-14-2004, Providence) Anthony BONSANTE 12
- (Aug-18-2004, Pasadena) Alfonso GOMEZ 5
+ (Aug-30-2004, Pasadena) Miguel ESPINO 5
+ (Sep-18-2004, Pasadena) Joseph Joey GILBERT injury 5
+ (Sep-23-2004, Pasadena) Alfonso GOMEZ 7

- 2005 -

- (May-24-2005, Las Vegas) Sergio MORA 7
- (Oct-15-2005, Los Angeles) Sergio MORA 8

- 2006 -

+ (Feb-13-2006, Providence) Scott PEMBERTON kot 3
+ (Oct-14-2006, Providence) Joe SPINA kot 3

- 2007 -

- (Apr-7-2007, Cardiff) Joe CALZAGHE kot 3 (W.B.O., Super middleweight)
+ (May-11-2007, Lincoln) Ted Muller kot9
+ (Jun-20-2007, Mashantucket) David Banks 10



http://www.ringsidereport.com/rsr/ne...?readmore=2124

Best of luck to your boy Pride Of Boston but i don't see him winning to be honest.

Manfredo says he'll "be out of it" by 30, 32.
I see him being out of it after 4 with Lacy.
Jeff's too strong and has a lot to prove.

Lacy has to try to mend his career by showing hes not shot.
i see him winning an easy fight inside 6 rounds

I understand why you all see the fight that way. Lacy is very strong and has much to prove. I can see the fight going either way but don't give Lacy as big an advantage as everyone else does.


Hopfully Pete can outbox him over ten... Says Freddy has worked on his offese.

Think it will be a good fight!

I feel that Manfredo may simply be overwhelmed by the power of Lacy as i just don't feel that Peter is a fully fledged Super Middle.

Having sat Ringside at the Calzaghe fight I also disagree that Calzaghe never hurt him as i noticed him blinking a number of times after punches in round 2...

Originally Posted by hitmandonny

I feel that Manfredo may simply be overwhelmed by the power of Lacy as i just don't feel that Peter is a fully fledged Super Middle.

Having sat Ringside at the Calzaghe fight I also disagree that Calzaghe never hurt him as i noticed him blinking a number of times after punches in round 2...

Whether or not Calzaghe hurt him I don't know... It didn't look like it to me. And I agree that he is not a full fledged SMW. I think he looks soft @ SMW. As far an Lacy overwhelming him with power. It is a possibility. It is one of the ways I can see it ending in my head. I do think pete can outbox this man, though!

Roach and him have been working hard!

Originally Posted by PRIDE OF BOSTON

Originally Posted by hitmandonny

I feel that Manfredo may simply be overwhelmed by the power of Lacy as i just don't feel that Peter is a fully fledged Super Middle.

Having sat Ringside at the Calzaghe fight I also disagree that Calzaghe never hurt him as i noticed him blinking a number of times after punches in round 2...

Whether or not Calzaghe hurt him I don't know... It didn't look like it to me. And I agree that he is not a full fledged SMW. I think he looks soft @ SMW. As far an Lacy overwhelming him with power. It is a possibility. It is one of the ways I can see it ending in my head. I do think pete can outbox this man, though!

Roach and him have been working hard!

I understand Roach is a great trainer and im sure they have been working hard.
BUT as the saying goes " you cant polish a TURD !!!"

Originally Posted by Dark Lord Al

Originally Posted by PRIDE OF BOSTON

Originally Posted by hitmandonny

I feel that Manfredo may simply be overwhelmed by the power of Lacy as i just don't feel that Peter is a fully fledged Super Middle.

Having sat Ringside at the Calzaghe fight I also disagree that Calzaghe never hurt him as i noticed him blinking a number of times after punches in round 2...

Whether or not Calzaghe hurt him I don't know... It didn't look like it to me. And I agree that he is not a full fledged SMW. I think he looks soft @ SMW. As far an Lacy overwhelming him with power. It is a possibility. It is one of the ways I can see it ending in my head. I do think pete can outbox this man, though!

Roach and him have been working hard!

I understand Roach is a great trainer and im sure they have been working hard.
BUT as the saying goes " you cant polish a TURD !!!"

hmmmmm...

True, would be trouble to polish Lacy... And yes Roach is a good Trainer!

Originally Posted by PRIDE OF BOSTON

Originally Posted by hitmandonny

I feel that Manfredo may simply be overwhelmed by the power of Lacy as i just don't feel that Peter is a fully fledged Super Middle.

Having sat Ringside at the Calzaghe fight I also disagree that Calzaghe never hurt him as i noticed him blinking a number of times after punches in round 2...

Whether or not Calzaghe hurt him I don't know... It didn't look like it to me. And I agree that he is not a full fledged SMW. I think he looks soft @ SMW. As far an Lacy overwhelming him with power. It is a possibility. It is one of the ways I can see it ending in my head. I do think pete can outbox this man, though!

Roach and him have been working hard!

Well your final point there appealed to my personal feelings there. Any man who works hard deserves his rewards, and should Manfredo win i'd give him all the credit in the world.

Originally Posted by PRIDE OF BOSTON

I understand why you all see the fight that way. Lacy is very strong and has much to prove. I can see the fight going either way but don't give Lacy as big an advantage as everyone else does.


Hopfully Pete can outbox him over ten... Says Freddy has worked on his offese.

Think it will be a good fight!

Hey Pride good to see on the site again buddy.

I'm in two minds about this matchup to be honest. On the one hand I really think it's an exciting matchup and could be a great fight, but on the other Jeff and Peter are two of the guys I'm most fond of in boxing as people and I don't like to see either of them lose.

Obviously Lacy needs to win this one in order to show he's still a legitimate force and I really want him to get back into the mix, but then Manfredo is still trying to prove he has credibility as a real fighter and not just a reality show runner up. I'd love to see Peter prove his critics wrong as well.

So I really don't know who to root for, I just hope it's a good fight and that they both put on a good show.

It's entirely possible that they could both come out with reputations enhanced if it's an action packed fight so that's what I'm rooting for.

Really and truthfully people forget even though Lacy was overrated he was still knocking everybody out left and center and had he not had an injury in his last fight he would of won comfortably i feel Lacy will do a good job on Manfredo and get right back into the mix.

Originally Posted by Bilbo

Originally Posted by PRIDE OF BOSTON

I understand why you all see the fight that way. Lacy is very strong and has much to prove. I can see the fight going either way but don't give Lacy as big an advantage as everyone else does.


Hopfully Pete can outbox him over ten... Says Freddy has worked on his offese.

Think it will be a good fight!

Hey Pride good to see on the site again buddy.

I'm in two minds about this matchup to be honest. On the one hand I really think it's an exciting matchup and could be a great fight, but on the other Jeff and Peter are two of the guys I'm most fond of in boxing as people and I don't like to see either of them lose.

Obviously Lacy needs to win this one in order to show he's still a legitimate force and I really want him to get back into the mix, but then Manfredo is still trying to prove he has credibility as a real fighter and not just a reality show runner up. I'd love to see Peter prove his critics wrong as well.

So I really don't know who to root for, I just hope it's a good fight and that they both put on a good show.

It's entirely possible that they could both come out with reputations enhanced if it's an action packed fight so that's what I'm rooting for.

Thanks Bilbo,

Yeah I feel the same. I do quite like Lacy. I think over all win or lose this will be a good fight. I really do like Lacy and wish him the best but I gotta stay true to Pete aswell!

Damn it!

Should be fun to watch. Should have some fireworks!

Honestly, I'm gunna go out on a limb and say Manfredo wins a decision over 10. Lacy is a plodder. One dimensional. I don't see alot to his game and he's been exposed. Pete needs to just box and keep his hands up.

If Lacy wins impressively, my money says Tarver backs down and says "the fans want to see Tarver-Santiago II."

Originally Posted by bzkfn

Honestly, I'm gunna go out on a limb and say Manfredo wins a decision over 10. Lacy is a plodder. One dimensional. I don't see alot to his game and he's been exposed. Pete needs to just box and keep his hands up.

If Lacy wins impressively, my money says Tarver backs down and says "the fans want to see Tarver-Santiago II."

HAHAHA, Nice