Thursday, November 13, 2008
Boxing: Bika batters Manfredo!
The winner of the third season of "The Contender," IBF #4, Sakio "The Scorpion" Bika (27-3-2, 17 KOs)captured the IBO super middleweight title with a third round stoppage of "The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo Jr. (31-6, 16 KOs). Time of the stoppage by referee Ricky Gonzalez was 1:50 in Manfredo's backyard at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI. The shocked crowd voiced their disapproval of the outcome as Bika outlanded Manfredo Jr. and beat him to the punch with punishing hooks that had the hometown favorite, Manfredo Jr. on his heels throughout. Manfredo Jr.seemed timid from the start as Bika instantly found his range and landed without much trouble. Manfredo Jr. was credited with a knockdown in round two which was a punch that landed, however Manfredo fell to the canvas with Bika as it appeared to be more of a push. Bika complained as he took out his frustrations in round three landing a barrage of hooks on Manfredo Jr. that he was unable to recover from.
MANFREDO READY FOR WAR
Peter Manfredo Jr is expecting a "war" when he faces Sakio Bika for the vacant IBO Super Middleweight Championship on Thursday night.
The 27-year-old has won his last three fights following a unanimous points defeat to Jeff Lacy in December last year.
"I'm very focused and determined. Since the Lacy fight, I've become hungry, more mature and I'm on the right track. I know this fight is going to be a war," he said.
"Anybody who has seen Bika knows he comes to fight and this is going to be a helluva fight. I'm not backing down - this is for the IBO title - and Bika's not backing down.
"I'm real strong, real sharp. I don't think anybody can beat me when I'm like this. If he does, he's the better man. It's going to be a great night."
The 27-year-old has won his last three fights following a unanimous points defeat to Jeff Lacy in December last year.
"I'm very focused and determined. Since the Lacy fight, I've become hungry, more mature and I'm on the right track. I know this fight is going to be a war," he said.
"Anybody who has seen Bika knows he comes to fight and this is going to be a helluva fight. I'm not backing down - this is for the IBO title - and Bika's not backing down.
"I'm real strong, real sharp. I don't think anybody can beat me when I'm like this. If he does, he's the better man. It's going to be a great night."
Bika hoping to revive boxing career
Australian boxer Sakio Bika is determined to revive his stalled career on Friday by storming the backyard of American Peter Manfredo and winning the vacant IBO super middleweight title.
Bika boosted his previously low profile 12 months ago by winning the third season of the American reality TV boxing show The Contender.
However, he has fought only once since, notching a first round blowout of unheralded Argentinian Gustavo Javier Kapusi in Sydney in April.
Earlier this year, Bika severed ties with his managers Robert Burton and Angelo Hyder.
The fight against Manfredo, who appeared in season one of The Contender, represents the chance for the 29-year-old Sydneysider to explode back into the public consciousness both in Australia and America.
"This one means a lot, if I win this fight it can open me a lot of doors for next year," Bika told AAP.
"I don't want to miss this opportunity," added Bika, who has a 26-3 record.
Friday's fight will be in Providence, Rhode Island, where Manfredo was born.
Manfredo 27, has a 31-5 record but has never lost any of his many fights in Rhode Island.
Bika, who moved to Australia after representing Cameroon at the Sydney Olympics, is no stranger when it comes to fighting in opposition territory.
In his two previous world title attempts, he had a technical draw with Markus Beyer in Germany and was outpointed by Joe Calzaghe in Britain, who also beat Manfredo in a championship bout.
Well travelled Bika has also fought in Canada, Japan and Indonesia.
"Everywhere I've fought, I've always had the crowd against me, I don't care about the crowd, just who is in front of me," Bika said.
He hoped a win would set up bigger fights against the likes of past and present world champions Jermain Taylor, Jeff Lacy, Bernard Hopkins and Mikkel Kessler.
Bika boosted his previously low profile 12 months ago by winning the third season of the American reality TV boxing show The Contender.
However, he has fought only once since, notching a first round blowout of unheralded Argentinian Gustavo Javier Kapusi in Sydney in April.
Earlier this year, Bika severed ties with his managers Robert Burton and Angelo Hyder.
The fight against Manfredo, who appeared in season one of The Contender, represents the chance for the 29-year-old Sydneysider to explode back into the public consciousness both in Australia and America.
"This one means a lot, if I win this fight it can open me a lot of doors for next year," Bika told AAP.
"I don't want to miss this opportunity," added Bika, who has a 26-3 record.
Friday's fight will be in Providence, Rhode Island, where Manfredo was born.
Manfredo 27, has a 31-5 record but has never lost any of his many fights in Rhode Island.
Bika, who moved to Australia after representing Cameroon at the Sydney Olympics, is no stranger when it comes to fighting in opposition territory.
In his two previous world title attempts, he had a technical draw with Markus Beyer in Germany and was outpointed by Joe Calzaghe in Britain, who also beat Manfredo in a championship bout.
Well travelled Bika has also fought in Canada, Japan and Indonesia.
"Everywhere I've fought, I've always had the crowd against me, I don't care about the crowd, just who is in front of me," Bika said.
He hoped a win would set up bigger fights against the likes of past and present world champions Jermain Taylor, Jeff Lacy, Bernard Hopkins and Mikkel Kessler.
Weights, Quotes and Photos From Providence, Rhode Island
This Thursday nights, "Tried ad Tested" fight night, is promoted by the Tournament of Contenders in association with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will air nationally live on Versus television. The main event features The Pride of Providence, Peter Manfredo, Jr. (31-5, 16 KO’s, versus Sakio Bika (26-3-2, 16 KO’s , for the IBO super middleweight championship of the world, with a featured attraction pitting Contender graduates, Grady Brewer (23-11, 13 KO’s) against Cornelius "K9" Bundrage (28-3, 16 KO’s) and Jaidon "The Don" Codrington (18-2, 14 KO’s) , runner up in The Contender III facing Jameel "Black Gold" Wilson (13-14-3 (8 KO’s) , a former WBF International middleweight Champion..
Weights from Providence & Presser Quotes
Peter Manfredo, Jr. 167 ¾ lbs.-Sakio Bika 166 lbs.
(IBO & NABF Interim Super Middleweight Championships)
Grady Brewer 153 ¼ lbs.-Cornelius Bundrage 154 lbs.
(IBO Light Middleweight Title Eliminator)
Jaidon Codrington 175 ½ lbs.-William Gill 177 lbs.
Matt Remillard 129 ½ lbs.-Mauricio Pastrana 129 ½ lbs.
Isander Beauchamp 115 ¾ lbs.-Ernie Marquez 115 ½ lbs.
Jesus Caro 140 lbs.-Jose Valezquez 136 ½ lbs.
Diego Periera 140 lbs.-Jerry Pressley 134 lbs.
“TOUGH & TESTED”
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, RI
Promoter: Tournament of Contenders in association with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES)
Matchmakers: Mike Marchionte & Ted Panagiotis
Tickets: $18.00, $23.00, $58.00, $79.00, $107.00 and $222.00, are on sale at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office (401.331.6700) or through CES Boxing at 401.724.2253/2254 or www.cesboxing.com
Television: Versus, 8-10 PM/ET
Information: Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com)
Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Peter Manfredo, Jr.: “I’m very focused and determined. A year ago was back but since the Lacy fight, I’ve become hungry, more mature and I’m on the right track. I know this fight is going to be a war. Anybody who has seen Bika knows he comes to fight and this is going to be a helluva fight. I’m not backing down – this is for the IBO title – and Bika’s not backing down. I’m real strong, real sharp. I don’t think anybody can beat me when I’m like this. If he does, he’s the better man. It’s going to be a great night tomorrow…a new champion tomorrow.”
Sakio Bika: “I’m happy to be in Providence. I’d like to thank everybody who has helped my career and Peter for challenging me and putting it together in Providence. I’m coming to fight and win this belt.”
Cornelius Bundrage: “I’m happy to be here. It’s definitely going to be tough fight. Me and Grady got real cool on the show. But this is business. I’m unleashed, unchained; dog is coming. Me and Grady are going to put on a great fight. I’ve been off so long I’m excited to be back. I’ve fought a lot of top guys. I’ve been cheated, robbed and had a rough career until The Contender. I love The Contender for putting me in the spotlight and giving me even odds. It’s going to be a great fight. After the fight me and Grady will still be cool.”
Grady Brewer: “I appreciate this opportunity. It’s been two years – I fought in September – but fighting K9 is a great opportunity and I thank him. We became great friends on the show. When I got the call I didn’t want to take this fight, but it’s business and I had to take a step in forward. I worked hard for this fight in the gym I built back in Oklahoma.”
Jaidon Codrington: It’s been awhile since I fought and I’m glad to be fighting in Providence. I can’t wait to fight in Providence, not too far from Bridgeport (CT) where I’m from. I’m going from my fights into the stands to watch Peter and Bika fight, K9 and Grady, and my good friend Matt Remillard. We grew-up together in the amateurs. I’m ready to fight and put on a good performance.”
Matt Remillard: “This is one of the best cards I’ve been on. It’s another chance to showcase my talent. I’ve fought on many cards with Peter and that’s a very good fight. He’s going to shock a lot of people tomorrow night. This will be the first time I’ve fought with Jaidon – he’s definitely a future world champion – and I came up with him. I’m in good shape to fight a very good fighter who has been in against a lot of big names. I’m going to come out victorious and keep moving up.”
(IBO & NABF Interim Super Middleweight Championships)
Grady Brewer 153 ¼ lbs.-Cornelius Bundrage 154 lbs.
(IBO Light Middleweight Title Eliminator)
Jaidon Codrington 175 ½ lbs.-William Gill 177 lbs.
Matt Remillard 129 ½ lbs.-Mauricio Pastrana 129 ½ lbs.
Isander Beauchamp 115 ¾ lbs.-Ernie Marquez 115 ½ lbs.
Jesus Caro 140 lbs.-Jose Valezquez 136 ½ lbs.
Diego Periera 140 lbs.-Jerry Pressley 134 lbs.
“TOUGH & TESTED”
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, RI
Promoter: Tournament of Contenders in association with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES)
Matchmakers: Mike Marchionte & Ted Panagiotis
Tickets: $18.00, $23.00, $58.00, $79.00, $107.00 and $222.00, are on sale at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Box Office (401.331.6700) or through CES Boxing at 401.724.2253/2254 or www.cesboxing.com
Television: Versus, 8-10 PM/ET
Information: Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com)
Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Peter Manfredo, Jr.: “I’m very focused and determined. A year ago was back but since the Lacy fight, I’ve become hungry, more mature and I’m on the right track. I know this fight is going to be a war. Anybody who has seen Bika knows he comes to fight and this is going to be a helluva fight. I’m not backing down – this is for the IBO title – and Bika’s not backing down. I’m real strong, real sharp. I don’t think anybody can beat me when I’m like this. If he does, he’s the better man. It’s going to be a great night tomorrow…a new champion tomorrow.”
Sakio Bika: “I’m happy to be in Providence. I’d like to thank everybody who has helped my career and Peter for challenging me and putting it together in Providence. I’m coming to fight and win this belt.”
Cornelius Bundrage: “I’m happy to be here. It’s definitely going to be tough fight. Me and Grady got real cool on the show. But this is business. I’m unleashed, unchained; dog is coming. Me and Grady are going to put on a great fight. I’ve been off so long I’m excited to be back. I’ve fought a lot of top guys. I’ve been cheated, robbed and had a rough career until The Contender. I love The Contender for putting me in the spotlight and giving me even odds. It’s going to be a great fight. After the fight me and Grady will still be cool.”
Grady Brewer: “I appreciate this opportunity. It’s been two years – I fought in September – but fighting K9 is a great opportunity and I thank him. We became great friends on the show. When I got the call I didn’t want to take this fight, but it’s business and I had to take a step in forward. I worked hard for this fight in the gym I built back in Oklahoma.”
Jaidon Codrington: It’s been awhile since I fought and I’m glad to be fighting in Providence. I can’t wait to fight in Providence, not too far from Bridgeport (CT) where I’m from. I’m going from my fights into the stands to watch Peter and Bika fight, K9 and Grady, and my good friend Matt Remillard. We grew-up together in the amateurs. I’m ready to fight and put on a good performance.”
Matt Remillard: “This is one of the best cards I’ve been on. It’s another chance to showcase my talent. I’ve fought on many cards with Peter and that’s a very good fight. He’s going to shock a lot of people tomorrow night. This will be the first time I’ve fought with Jaidon – he’s definitely a future world champion – and I came up with him. I’m in good shape to fight a very good fighter who has been in against a lot of big names. I’m going to come out victorious and keep moving up.”
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Ticket Alert: Bika vs. Manfredo Jr.
Peter Manfredo Jr. and Sakio Bika will battle in Providence, Rhode Island on November 13.
Two-time world title challenger "The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo, Jr., runner-up in Season One of The Contender, finds himself training at home in a comfort zone as he prepares for his IBO super middleweight title fight November 13 against Sakio "The Scorpian" Bika, winner of Season Three of The Contender, at the newly renovated Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.
"Tough & Tested," co-promoted by the Tournament of Contenders and Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will air nationally live on Versus television. The co-promoters have called for a ‘Pink Out' (everybody wearing something colored pink) to show support for the Gloria Gemma Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from ticket and T-shirt sales will benefit the Gloria Gemma Foundation for research into early breast cancer detection.
Manfredo (31-5, 16 KOs), the reigning NABF Interim champion, is the WBC No. 13 rated super middleweight. Fighting in front of his hometown fans, "The Pride of Providence" sports a perfect 16-0 (10 KOs) record in Rhode Island, including 3-0 (3 KOs) in the same Providence building as his Nov. 13th showdown against Bika. Manfredo's five pro career losses have all come at the hands of world champions.
Full Article
Two-time world title challenger "The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo, Jr., runner-up in Season One of The Contender, finds himself training at home in a comfort zone as he prepares for his IBO super middleweight title fight November 13 against Sakio "The Scorpian" Bika, winner of Season Three of The Contender, at the newly renovated Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.
"Tough & Tested," co-promoted by the Tournament of Contenders and Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), will air nationally live on Versus television. The co-promoters have called for a ‘Pink Out' (everybody wearing something colored pink) to show support for the Gloria Gemma Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from ticket and T-shirt sales will benefit the Gloria Gemma Foundation for research into early breast cancer detection.
Manfredo (31-5, 16 KOs), the reigning NABF Interim champion, is the WBC No. 13 rated super middleweight. Fighting in front of his hometown fans, "The Pride of Providence" sports a perfect 16-0 (10 KOs) record in Rhode Island, including 3-0 (3 KOs) in the same Providence building as his Nov. 13th showdown against Bika. Manfredo's five pro career losses have all come at the hands of world champions.
Full Article
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Manfredo will fight for world title on Nov. 13
PROVIDENCE --- Peter Manfredo Jr. is getting another shot at a world title.
And "The Pride of Providence" will fight for it in his backyard.
Manfredo Jr., who was the runner-up of "The Contender I" reality TV show, will take on Australia's Sakio Bika, who was the winner of "The Contender III" series, for the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) super middleweight championship in the 12-round main event of the “Tough & Tested" show (co-promoted by the "Tournament of Contenders" and Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.) on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. This show, which will air live on VERSUS, will feature five alumni from the three series of “The Contender” in the top three fights. In addition to Manfredo and Bika's fight, "The Contender II" series winner Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer will take on "The Contender II" fan favorite Cornelius “K9” Bundrage in an IBO light middleweight title eliminator in the co-feature, and "The Contender III" runner-up Jaidon “The Don” Codrington will duel an opponent to be determined in a 'Special Attraction' super middleweight affair.
This will be first major world title fight in Providence since Oct. 1, 1991, when at the then-called Providence Civic Center, Vinny Paz recorded a 12th-round TKO of Gilbert Dele to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight championship, one of five world titles won by the Cranston native.
It will also be one of the biggest fights in Manfredo's career, and the Manfredo's Gym product and two-time world title challenger wants to puts forth a magnificent performance in front of his home fans.
"I'm more focused on winning the fight more than anything else," said Manfredo during a small press conference at Dave & Buster's in the Providence Place Mall. "It's do or die for me. If Sakio beats me, he'll be the better man that night and that's it, but I'm going in there to beat him up and win this fight. It's a big opportunity for me, and believe me, we're not going to let this one go."
FULL ARTICLE
And "The Pride of Providence" will fight for it in his backyard.
Manfredo Jr., who was the runner-up of "The Contender I" reality TV show, will take on Australia's Sakio Bika, who was the winner of "The Contender III" series, for the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) super middleweight championship in the 12-round main event of the “Tough & Tested" show (co-promoted by the "Tournament of Contenders" and Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.) on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. This show, which will air live on VERSUS, will feature five alumni from the three series of “The Contender” in the top three fights. In addition to Manfredo and Bika's fight, "The Contender II" series winner Grady “Bad Boy” Brewer will take on "The Contender II" fan favorite Cornelius “K9” Bundrage in an IBO light middleweight title eliminator in the co-feature, and "The Contender III" runner-up Jaidon “The Don” Codrington will duel an opponent to be determined in a 'Special Attraction' super middleweight affair.
This will be first major world title fight in Providence since Oct. 1, 1991, when at the then-called Providence Civic Center, Vinny Paz recorded a 12th-round TKO of Gilbert Dele to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight championship, one of five world titles won by the Cranston native.
It will also be one of the biggest fights in Manfredo's career, and the Manfredo's Gym product and two-time world title challenger wants to puts forth a magnificent performance in front of his home fans.
"I'm more focused on winning the fight more than anything else," said Manfredo during a small press conference at Dave & Buster's in the Providence Place Mall. "It's do or die for me. If Sakio beats me, he'll be the better man that night and that's it, but I'm going in there to beat him up and win this fight. It's a big opportunity for me, and believe me, we're not going to let this one go."
FULL ARTICLE
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