Manfredo Headlines ‘Homecoming King’ to begin final chapter of career

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 28, 2010) – IBO Middleweight Champion “The Pride of
Providence” Peter Manfredo Jr. returns to his roots Nov. 12, headlining “Homecoming
King” in a 10-round, non-title fight against Colombian power-puncher Jhon Berrio(15-7,
11 KOs), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I. 

“Homecoming King” is presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment
& Sports, Inc (CES) in association with DiBella Entertainment and TwinRiver.

It’s been two years since Manfredo (35-6, 19 KOs) last fought in Rhode Island,
but the star of The Contender, Season I reality television series obviously
enjoys fighting in his backyard, sporting a 16-1 (10 KOs) pro record in Rhode
Island, including 3-0 (3 KOs) at Twin River.

 “Fighting at home is a key for me because I’m very comfortable and it’s convenient
being with my family, sleeping in my own bed, eating at familiar restaurants,
training in my father’s gym, and running the same places,” Manfredo said. “TwinRiver
is right down the street from where I work and, of course, there’s nothing
better than fighting in front of my fans. A lot of people feel that there’s
a lot of pressure fighting at home. I don’t have any pressure here. I’ve been
fighting in Rhode Island since I was five years old. Boxing is still big here
and the fans are great.”

 The plan for the final chapter of the 29-year-old Manfredo’s career tentatively
includes a win Nov. 12, successfully defending his IBO title on the January
14th ESPN Friday Night Fights show and then, hopefully, an IBF title fight
against champion Sebastian Sylvester.

 “Vinny Paz (fellow Rhode Islander) was an inspiration for me growing up and
his first world title was for the IBF against Greg Haugen,” the IBF No 12-ranked
middleweight explained. “When I first started hanging – not really hanging,
but being around Paz – it was kind of weird because, as a kid, I looked up
to him and now he’s watching me go through some of what he did as a fighter.
It’s weird, but cool……awesome! Paz is a great guy. He left it all in the ring
as a blood-and-guts fighter and I see myself being the same type of fighter.
He never backed down from anybody and neither have I. I may not have beaten
(Joe) Calzaghe or (Sakio) Bika, but I went toe-to-toe with ‘em. That’s why
my fights sell out at TwinRiver. Fans here want to see a good fight – win,
lose or draw. We’re entertainers and, just like Paz, I always want to give
fans their money’s worth. Fans loved Paz for that and I believe fans feel that
way about me. I idolized him and someday, I hope, we can sit down in retirement
and talk about our IBF title belts and fights.”

Burchfield promoted Manfredo, who will be making his promotional debut for
Lou DiBella (DiBella Entertainment), for Manfredo’s first 21 pro fights (2000-2004)
prior to his CES release in order for him to participate in The Contender.
“Everything has worked out great for me,” Manfredo noted. “Lou and Jimmy are
working together on this fight so I can fight at home. I never meant to hurt
anybody and did what I’ve done for me and my family. I think it’s cool that
they’ve worked things out to help me. It all started for me with Jimmy and
I love the guy. Lou hasn’t seen me fight live and this will give him an opportunity
to see what he’s added to his stable. I think he’s the guy to get me that big
shot for the IBF title. I have to get this fight out of the way, first, and
look good doing it before moving on.”

In an intra-state battle, West Warwick’s (RI) Keith Kozlin(6-1, 4 KOs) faces
Woonsocket’s (RI) Joe Gardner (6-1-1, 1 KO) for the vacant EBA New England
Light Heavyweight Championship in the 6-round co-feature.

Providence cruiserweight Dante Wiggins, nephew of former Providenceheavyweight
Robert Wiggins will make his pro debut against an opponent to be determined.
Also on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Marshfield (MA) junior middleweight
Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (3-1, 1 KO) vs. Lisa Bolin(2-3); undefeated Providence
firefighter Eric “Star” Estrada (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. upset-minded Tobias Rice (2-1,
2 KOs); Hyannis (MA) heavyweight Jesse “Bad News” Barboza (4-1, 3 KOs) attempting
to avenge his only loss versus Winston Thorpe (3-0, 2 KOs); New Bedford super
lightweight Jonathan Vazquez (2-0, 2 KOs) against Ernest Butts III (0-1); and
Pawtucket (RI) middleweight Thomas Falowo making his much-anticipated pro debut
against Odias Dumezil (2-4, 1 KO), a former sparring partner for world champion
Andre Berto. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “Homecoming King,” priced at $40.00, $60.00, $100.00 and $150.00
(VIP), are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going
online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club
booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location. 

 VIP LUXURY SUITE PACKAGES

VIP Luxury Suite packages are available for the first time at Twin River, which
includes exclusive table seating in the venue’s only elevated section with
private wait service and two drinks per person, plus VIP After Party passes
and a 25-percent discount for pre-fight dining at Fred and Steve’s Steakhouse
in Twin River. Other special perks for VIP guests are also included in this
knockout package for parties ranging from six to 10 guests. For additional
information or to purchase a VIP Luxury Suite package, contact Rick Provost,
CES Group Sales Director, at 407.739.7490 or Rick.Provost44@gmail.com.

 Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the TwinRiverEventCenter
(877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6:00PM/ET,
first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

(TwinRiver has waived its 18+ rule for “Homecoming King.” Anybody under the
age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter
through the West entrance.)



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