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Interview with Peter Manfredo Jr.
By Ed Ludwig
10.07 - I recently had the pleasure of speaking with rising Jr. Middleweight star, Peter Manfredo Jr. The native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island will be back in the ring on July 26 against an opponent to be announced. Manfredo Jr. is undefeated with a record of fourteen wins and six knockouts. His father is a former world kickboxing champion and the young Manfredo Jr. is trying to achieve the same success in the boxing ring. He has sparred with Micky Ward as Ward was preparing for the Arturo Gatti fight and he was also in Big Bear, Ca working with Fernando Vargas. At twenty-one years of age he has a bright future ahead of him. It is not common for me during the course of any interview that I hear a boxer pay such a nice compliment to another as Peter Manfredo Jr. did. He spoke very highly of Light Heavyweight contender John Scully who has been working with him in training camp. He would like to thank him and everyone who has helped bring him one step closer to his dream.
Ed Ludwig: Is training camp any harder when you do not know who your opponent is?
Peter Manfredo Jr. Right now it doesn’t make much difference. I have fought tougher opponents in my amateur career like Jermain Taylor and Ricardo Williams then I have in the pro ranks thus far. Down the road it will make a big difference.
EL: What was it like for you to spar with Fernando Vargas as he prepares for his big showdown with Oscar De La Hoya?
Manfredo Jr. It was excellent. Being with him really taught me a lot on how to be a better fighter. He is a great guy and I learned a lot from him. I was in Big Bear, Ca where many of the top boxers train. It is well known for the thin air. I also worked with Micky Ward, as he was getting ready for his clash with Arturo Gatti. When the rematch is announced I will be working with Micky again.
EL: You have had fourteen fights to date in two years. Are you planning to continue at this pace?
Manfredo Jr. For me it feels like I am in a rush. I will leave it up to my father. My trust is in him and my team. It will slow down eventually.
EL: What can you tell me about your pro debut?
Manfredo Jr. I was extremely nervous. It was the first time I fought with small gloves and no headgear. Many thoughts were going through my mind before the opening bell. I ended up winning, actually dominating so I was happy.
EL: Tell me about a day in the life of Peter Manfredo Jr.?
Manfredo Jr. After I get up in the early morning I run about three or four miles everyday. Then I come home and have a protein shake. In the afternoon it’s off to the gym where I do my workout and strength exercises. In camp we want it to be a “Team” effort.
EL: Your father is a former world kickboxing champion. Is he your biggest influence?
Manfredo Jr. Yes, I would say so. He got me into the gym at five years old. I worked hard and stayed out of trouble and here I am today.
EL: How is your relationship with Vinny Paz and how are his parents?
Manfredo Jr. He is a great guy in person. A lot of people think he is cocky but he is just hyping his fights. Outside of boxing we really don’t see each other but at the fights he is great to be around. We are more like friends through work. As for his parents, Vinny’s mom has passed away and his dad is still battling Alzheimer’s.
EL: Is training camp going longer as your upcoming bout is scheduled for ten rounds?
Manfredo Jr. Yes, I am training a lot for it. I did have a fight scheduled for ten rounds once before and I ended up stopping Mike McFail in the eighth round for the EBA title. I have been training with “Iceman” John Scully for my upcoming bout. We sparred nine hard rounds together. I really look up to John and if there was ever a guy who deserved a million dollar payday then it’s John.
EL: Who are your favourite boxers?
Manfredo Jr. I like Vinny Paz, Felix Trinidad and Fernando Vargas. I am not really a big fan of boxing though because I am in it but I do watch the big fights. It’s like a job and then I go home and spend time with my family.
EL: What was the highlight of your amateur career?
Manfredo Jr. My biggest accomplishment was winning a bronze medal at the Eastern Olympic trials. I had a very close fight with Randy Griffin and I lost by decision. I only trained two weeks for the trials and I was happy with my performance.
EL: Have you suffered any serious injuries?
Manfredo Jr. No injuries so far, knock on wood.
EL: What is it like being in the public eye?
Manfredo Jr. It feels great. I fight for my fans and everyone who supports me. It’s a great feeling and I want to do my best. Not only for me, for my young daughter and my family.
EL: Anything you would like to pass on to your fans?
Manfredo Jr. I would like to tell them to keep standing by my side and thank them for the support. I do have what it takes and I will make it to the top.
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