By James Slater – Last night in Uncasville, Connecticut, 29-year-old Peter Manfredo Junior won the first world title of his now ten-year pro career. Grabbing the vacant IBO 160-pound title with an impressive 10th-round TKO over tough Mexican warrior Angel Hernandez, “The Pride Of Providence” improved to 35-6(19). At the end of what had been a good, fan-friendly action fight, Hernandez, the older man ate age 34, was stopped by a Manfredo onslaught at 1-minute and 19-seconds of the 10th-round – when referee Steve Smoger dived in. Hernandez, who had only been stopped once before, fell to 30-8(17)..
Ahead of this fight, one of the most important of his career, former “Contender” star Mandredo said a win would be a big step towards his attempt at winning the other versions of the middleweight title. Now 4-0(3) since his drop down to the weight (following a bad, 3rd-round stoppage loss at the hands of the much bigger Sakio Bika), Manfredo could be in a position to be able to go for a really big fight or two.
The likeable tough guy told this writer pre-Hernandez that he would “definitely be ready” to go in with the big guns of the middleweight division after he got himself the win he did last night. And maybe, with his recognisable name and his crowd-pleasing style, Manfredo jr will indeed land himself a date with a Sergio Martinez, a Sebastian Sylvester (more likely) or maybe even Roman Karmazin if “Made in Hell” beats the IBF 160-pound ruler when they meet in June.
Manfredo is certainly ranked high enough to be able to go for a big belt, and now that his confidence is also at an all-time high he will believe that he can beat the guys I’ve mentioned and then some. Okay, realistically, Manfredo will struggle to get a date with world champ Martinez, who has been talking about all manner of future opposition; even dropping the name of Floyd Mayweather into conversation.
But Manfredo could realistically get a big title fight in Europe. And who wouldn’t give the former WBO 168-pound title challenger a good shot against Sylvester or interim WBC champ Sebastian Zbik (who faces Khren Gevor next, in July)?
For some reason (on this site anyway) Manfredo has more than his share of critics; critics who will no doubt say he will not live with the middleweight elite (let’s see what comments get left on this article!), but what’s not to like about Manfredo? He is always in shape, he always fights as hard as he can and he wants to take on the best now that he’s ready.
Win or lose against the Sylvester’s and the Zbiks, Manfredo will not go out without a fight. And isn’t that what makes a fighter popular? Look out for a few more exciting night courtesy of Providence’s finest.