Peter Manfredo Jr. awaiting his return to the ring

Peter Manfredo Jr. is still awaiting his return to the ring, as well as the first defense of his International Boxing Union (IBU) junior middleweight world title. Manfredo won the title via 7th round knockout over former world champ Frankie Randall. “I’m as sharp as ever and I can’t wait to be back,” said an eager Manfredo. Along with Ray Oliviera, I was supposed to headline the January 11 “Winter Warriors” card in Providence, but unfortunately those plans fell through when I was sidelined by a bout with the flu.”

The goal that all boxers dream of, is one that only a handful of special athletes in the prizefighting business can ever achieve. Manfredo believes in his heart that he has what it takes. “I want to be The junior middleweight champion of the world and until that happens I will have not reached my ultimate goal,” admitted Manfredo.

Manfredo says he has been doing a lot of sparring to keep busy. “My dad trains Ray Oliviera and we sparred countless rounds prior to his fight on Jan 11th. On Wednesday I sparred with WBA #1 ranked welterweight Jose Antonio Rivera and except for each time I came back from working with Fernando Vargas in Big Bear, CA, I feel like I’ve never been more on top of my game.”

On Friday February 7th, Manfredo will be on hand at the 25th annual Special Olympics Rhode Island Sports Celebrity Carnival. “The Special Olympics of Rhode Island is one of the most deserving charities in New England. Their longevity speaks for itself,” said Manfredo’s publicist Rob Soucy. We look forward to doing whatever we can to help their cause for years to come.

Thoughts on Freddie Roach Press Conference

The conference is still going on, but I just thought I would give you my comments so far.

Freddie and Tyson seem to be working well, but this is only a one fight deal. Freddie says that Tyson is running and he’s pushing him. Tyson hasn’t worked this hard since Cus.

Freddie is not trying to reinvent Mike Tyson, simply help him out. Mike is in great shape weighing about 220lbs, although Freddie would like to see him a little beigger.

Everyone is basically asking the same questions in different forms, so I’ll just give you the rest. Mike is looking to put a hurting on the Black Whino. He wants to get back at Lewis. Mike will be using his jab more but basically is going to use his power to blow away the Black Whino.

Maybe it’s me, but I’m a little sceptical about what blowing away a certified bum like Etienne is going to prove. If Etienne goes to sleep in 1 round will that make me want to buy Lewis-Tyson II? I think Tyson needs a win over a big name, not a C fighter.

FINAL NOTE, FREDDIE ROACH IS PICKING RUIZ OVER JONES!!! Freddie said Ruiz will have to adjust immediately to Jones speed. Jones doesn’t KO people with power, but with punches you don’t see. If Ruiz adjusts quickly then he mugs Jones for a few rounds then puts him to sleep.

That’s all regarding the conference. Watch a few sites try to pass this conference call as “Exclusive Interview with Mike Tyson”. headscratch.gif

Cupey

Loving the KnockOuts!

There is just something about witnessing a knockout punch that is unrivaled by any other sport. Football has the jarring blind-side hit by a defensive player on an unsuspecting ball carrier, baseball has the dramatic walk-off home run to end a long game, and basketball has the high-flying slam dunk which lights up an arena. However, none of these plays rival the knockout’s sheer suddenness and impact. To take a line from the cult-classic film Friday, there is no event like watching someone get “knocked the f***k out!”

Top ten lists have been overused and are often too long. As I result, I have narrowed my list down to five. Here are “the top five reasons we love the knockout:”

1. Whether we like it or not, seeing someone knocked unconscious is the simple re-enactment of one of the most primal responses known to man - violence. No one has ever admitted to wanting to watch a train wreck, but they can’t take their eyes off one either - the appeal of watching a knockout is no different.

2. Prize-fighting epitomizes the popular phrase “mano-y-mano.” In comparison to other sports, the power associated with knocking out an opponent is unmatched. When you knock someone out, you are not only the master of your domain (the ring), you have also mastered your opponent figuratively and literally by beating them into submission.

3. Knockouts are definitive outcomes - not bound by any subjective criteria used to determine the winner of a match. Cries of foul play, inept judges or controversial decisions need not apply. The winning fighter’s fists are the judge and jury when the opponent is left “seeing stars.”

4. The simplicity of knockouts is a quality that can not be understated. It’s what I call the “least common denominator” aspect of boxing - a simple, yet dramatic, close that even a non-sports fan can understand. It is much easier to re-tell the events leading to a guy getting KO’d as opposed to how many receiving yards a running back gained, how many three-pointers a hoopster netted, or how many unearned runs a pitcher yielded. And it makes for much more interesting water cooler conversation.

5. A knockout leads to the conclusion of a fight. The finality of a felled opponent not beating the 10-count is as clear as Vodka, the fight is over. There is no need for an overtime or extra-innings…that’s all folks.