Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
Providence return for one-time world title holder
Former IBO middleweight champion Peter Manfredo Jr. is set
to lace up his gloves once again almost a year to the day that he formally announced
his retirement from boxing.
The 31 year-old, who has amassed 37 wins from 44 contests in an
entertaining career so far, stepped away from the ring last November following
a fifth round world title defeat to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and now wants end his career on a high, rather than a low.
“Well I had a great career and I didn't want to end it
getting stopped by a world champion,” Manfredo told World Boxing News.
“I have a Family who I love very much and as a father and husband
it is my obligation to take care of them. God blessed me with a talent and it
would be a waste if I didn't use it to better my family’s life.
‘The Pride of Providence’ was himself a world champion just
two years’ ago and without thinking too far ahead, wants to get back to bright
lights of the boxing ring to see where it may take him again in the future.
Manfredo has fought for a world title on four occasions as
well as starring in the most successful of the Contender Series, which
instantly made him a recognisable face around the world, something that the
Italian descendant fails to gain from his day to day job.
“I work as a Laborer which I love,” he explained. “But
people can't live on one income today and I’d like to keep my wife home with my
kids while she's in school.
“Maybe I'm not the best in the world, but I'm a competitor
and a man who does whatever he has to to take care of his family. That is a
real man in my eyes.”
The charismatic fighter is now set to go back to his roots
as he prepares to fight on November 29 in his hometown of Providence, Rhode
Island and is not putting himself under any pressure to achieve as he gears up
for his 45th pro fight.
“I started my professional career with Jimmy Burchfield and
I would love to end it with him, so to fight back home in Providence is fitting
for my return.
“I want to give something back to the fans who have always supported
me through the good times and bad. I don't know what my goals are other than
taking care of my family.
“I have 37 professional wins and I would love to get to 40,
but I'm just taking one step at a time.”