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 to end his career on a high, rather than a low.
“Well, I had a great career, and I didn’t want to end it is 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 the bright lights of the boxing ring to see where it may retake him in the future.
Manfredo has fought for a world title on four occasions and starring in the most successful of the Contender Series, which instantly made him a recognizable face worldwide, 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 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.
PETER MANFREDO JR PRO
“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. But 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.”
Phil Jay is the Editor of WBN. An Auxiliary member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay.
