Interview: Angel Manfredy

By Ike Enwereuzor

21.02 - IBF #1 lightweight challenger Angel Manfredy of Gary, IN now (35-5-1) 29KO's will make his next ring appearance March 9, 2002 at The Palumbo Center, Duquesne University, Pittsburg, Pa against unbeaten IBF lightweight champ Paul Sparadora (34-0)

How is trainning coming along for your fight with Spadadora?
Everything is going beautiful, I'm in the best shape of my life and I'll prove it to the world come March 9 against Paul Spadafora. I'm going to take that belt away from him.

How long have you been preparing for this fight?
I have been training for two months and a week by the time I finish. This is the longest I have ever train for a fight. I'll show them how strong I am, my weight is good and set mentally. All is going great, I'm just staying focused. I can't wait to get into the ring with Paul. I'm ready to prove I'll be a world champion again.

What's your impression of Spadafora?
I'll shock him, it's easy to figure him out and I don't really think much of him. I was at ringside when he fought Joel Perez, he fought so amateurish so he didn't impress me at all. I wouldn't take anythng away from him, he's a champion but the title is going to exchange hand that night.

What was your amateur record?
48-8

Why did you decide to Box?
I have been fighting all my life, always a part of me growing up. It was something I loved to do and a job I love. It will show on March 9, I can't wait to become a world champ again.

What do you remember about your first professional fight?
I lost the fight, the guy i fought was more experience. I never been pampered, I learn in a hard way and I've always been the underdog but I destroyed many of them. You win some and you loose some. This has made me stronger and very motivated. This will show March 9 from the first round, I'm still young and I don't want to see him on his feet after the fight. I don't care how many Spadafora's they bring in there.

Describe your fight with Ivan Robinson?
I wasn't living right. He thought he can beat me because he beat Gatti, I beat Gatti too. I came back at 135 after loosing to Mayweather at 130 pounds. I destroyed Ivan and won a 10 rounds decision. I killed myself to make weight, with Mayweather just because of the money was right and I learn from that fight. My fight wit Steve Johnston was a turning point for me but I beat myself doing the wrong things,now I'm amateured and doing things right.

Your toughtest fight since you turn pro?
I'll say my greatest is me and my life. It's not in the ring but I have overcome all that now.

Tell about you lost to Floyd Mayweather?
I fought at 130pounds, it was opportunity for me to make money but it was controversial lost.

Compare your fight Gatti to Ivan Robinson fight with him?
My fight with Gatti, I controlled it and pick him apart and destroy him at 8 but Ivan went to distance with him both times. I'm looking at the future now. I want to prove I'm the best lightweight in the world. It's his hometown so all pressure will be on him. I'll prove it March 9 and I'll become a world champion again. I'll destroy Paul Sparadora and then unify the division.

Your thought of Sencion?
He got knocked out by Julio Diaz but he's young, a little green and has a lot of room to grow. I know he could bounce back.

Did you feel you won your fight with Julio Diaz?
It was my worst night ever but I still beat Diaz. He threw a lot of punches but he never landed them. I used my experience, kept my game plan and it will be a lot different March 9. I do things different since I lost, I went down to 130, but 135 is my true weight. I discouraged him because he couldn't land his shots, I was going to knock him out didn't finish him. They had me on special Nutrition but you know what it never worked it made things worst for me that night. I should listen to my body but March 9 will be full of action pack, Paul can bring whatever he got I'll be ready for all he brings. I'm a Lion, I had good sparring and I'll destroy him. They will see the best of Angel Manfredy that night, not playing anymore

Your memorable moment in Boxing?
Every fight I had is memorable and a leaning process.

Any comments to your fans?
I love all my fans and thank them for their support. I want to know that March 9, I'll become a world champion. I have a positive attitude and I know I'll make it, so don't give up because I'll overcome.

Your thoughts of Forrest-Mosley?
This tells you that anybody can loose a fight even the greatest fighters had losts in their records. All of them will loose, Paul will loose this time too. I want to be the undisputed lightweight champion.

Your favorite fighters?
I have a lot of fighters I loved to watch growing up. I like Hagler, Chavez, Leonard, Duran.I learn a lot from these fighters. They paid their way for boxing and they made boxing big and interesting.

Angel, good luck in you upcoming showdown with Paul Sparadora