22.04.04 – The torch symbolizing superiority in Rhode Island professional boxing officially was passed, literally and figuratively, today for the first time in two decades from recently retired Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, former five-time world champion, to the May 14 headliner in “Young Gunz 2004, “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr.”
“I have to pass the torch on to Peter and the other CES fighters,” Paz said today at a press conference in the Hi Hat Restaurant and Club. “Peter has the heart and balls of a lion. Today I’m also announcing for the first time that I’m taking Peter into ‘The Contender’ series on NBC.”
Manfredo (20-0, 10 KOs) defends his NABO junior middleweight title May 14 for the first time against Anthony “The Bullet” Bonsante (24-3-3, 13 KOs), IBA middleweight title-holder, in the 12-round main event. He is one of seven unbeaten fighters from CES’ (Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.) stable appearing on the “Young Gunz” card, shown live on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights from the Rhode Island Convention Center in downtown Providence.
“This is a big honor for me and everybody on the CES team,” Manfredo said about the passing of the torch. “I’d like to thank Vinny and (promoter) Jimmy (Burchfield), We’re all proud of Vinny; he’s a warrior. These are big shoes (Vinny’s) to fill for me and everybody else on the team. It’s like trying to fill those big clown shoes with my little foot. I want to bring boxing back to Providence like Vinny did.”
The most highly anticipated fight featuring two New England based boxers since Paz-Dana Rosenblatt (mid-nineties) matches WBC Youth middleweight champ “Bad” Chad Dawson (15-0, 10 KOs), of New Haven (CT) making his first title defense against Ian “The Truth” Gardner (15-1, 7 KOs), of Brockton, in the 10-round co-feature.
Promoter Jimmy Burchfield’s latest signing is Providence-native Matt Godfrey, the 2004 U.S. Nationals heavyweight champion and Team USA Olympic second alternate. Godfrey, 23, will make his long awaited pro debut on “Young Gunz” against Glen Morgan (1-1, 1 KO), of San Antonio (TX), in a four-round cruiserweight match. Godfrey’s longtime friend and stablemate, Team USA Olympic super heavyweight Jason Estrada, will be in Matt’s corner May 14.
Other “Young Gunz” fighters scheduled on the May 14 card are Providence’s “Steamin’” Josh Beeman (2-0), gold medal winner at the 2000 Eastern Olympic Trials, vs. TBA; light heavyweight Joey “KO Kid” Spina (10-0, 7 KOs) vs. TBA; world top 10 rated featherweight Missy “The Fury” Fiorentino (8-0, 6 KOs), of Cranston (RI), against Olga “Hurricane” Heron (3-3, 1 KO), of Ontario, Canada; middleweight Reynaldo Rodriguez (4-0, 2 KOs), of Woonsocket (RI), versus Bobby McAndrews (2-3-1, 2 KOs), of Worcester. (All matches and fighters are subject to change.)
Tickets, on sale Friday, are priced at $150.00 Jimmy’s Platinum Club (limited), $100.00 Gold VIP Ringside, $75.00 Silver Reserved, and $40.00 General Admission. Tickets will be available at CES’ corporate (401.724.2253/2254) and Connecticut offices (860.432.4253), R.I. Convention Center (401.458.6000) and Manfredo’s Gym (401.723.1359). Visit www.cesboxing.com for additional information.
Press Conference Quotes
Jimmy Burchfield, Promoter: “We’re happy to bring one of the biggest cards ever to Providence. Every (CES) fighter (A side) is undefeated – 59-0 (combined) – and none want to lose their first fight on national television at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Seventy-five percent of the arena has already been sold out and tickets don’t go on sale until Friday. We love doing fights at the (Conn.) casino and all over the country, but there’s nothing like being at home. It’s easier promoting fights outside of Providence. It’s riskier doing fights here, too. May 14 is also Providence College graduation day and local hotels are sold out. But we are bringing big-time boxing to Providence.”
Peter Manfredo, Jr. “I’ve trained extremely hard. Yeah, I’m for real. I’m very hungry — not only for food – to win. I worked hard to win my NABO title and I won’t be losing it. I’ll use my boxing skills and take this guy apart mentally and physically.”
Matt Godfrey: “I’ve had over 200 (amateur) fights. I’ve been fighting 10 years, since I was 106 pounds. I’ve fought all over the world, but only once here in Providence. Now I am making my pro debut right here in Providence, less than a mile from my home. A lot of people here have heard of me, including family and friends, and now they’re going to have a chance to see me fight May 14. I’m going to bring a whole new style to New England and eventually the world.”
Chad Dawson: “I won my title here in Providence and I’m going to bring it back home again to New Haven.”
Missy Fiorentino: “I’ve trained really hard and have done a lot of sparring. I’m ready to go May 14. I’m taking one step closer to a world title fight.”
Joey Spina: “I’ve been out five months. I had surgery for a ripped tendon and chipped bones in my arm. I saw Dr. (Steven) Margles and I’m stronger than ever. I’m getting in shape to do what I do – knock people out.”
Josh Beeman: “This is a good opportunity for me to showcase my talent. I’ve trained hard and feel good. I’m ready and will do my best. I’m going to prove to everybody, including myself, that I’m going to be a champion”
Reynaldo Rodriguez: “I’ve trained hard for this fight and sparred a lot with Peter (Manfredo). I’ll do my talking in the ring May 14.”