‘The Pride of Providence’ Peter Manfredo Jr. Confirmed
(Photo of Manfredo by Emily Harney)
(Canastota, NY – Feb. 2015) The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today “The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo Jr. will be among boxing stars attending festivities planned for the 2015 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 11 to 14.
“Peter Manfredo Jr. was a throwback fighter, always ready and willing to fight anyone,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are so happy this fan favorite will be in Canastota in June to participate in weekend events.”
Born in Providence, RI, Manfredo competed in 165 amateur bouts before turning professional in 2000. One of the breakout stars of season one of the popular NBC boxing reality series The Contender, Manfredo holds wins over Grady Brewer, Frankie Randall, Scott Pemberton, Joe Spina, Alfonso Gomez, Donny McCrary, Walter Wright, Matt Vanda and Joey Gilbert among others. In 2010 he captured the vacant IBO middleweight title with a 10th round TKO over Angel Hernandez. “The Pride of Providence” retired in 2013 with a pro ledger of 40-7 (21 KOs).
Mexican Ring Legends Olivares, Cuevas Ready
Mexican ring legends Ruben “El Puas” Olivares and Pipino Cuevas will be among Hall of Famers returning to Canastota to attend festivities planned for the 2015 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend.
“Ruben Olivares and Pipino Cuevas were two of the most explosive punchers to ever step into the boxing ring,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming both of these exciting champions back to Canastota from their homes in Mexico.”
Olivares turned pro in 1965 and knocked out his first 23 opponents. “El Puas” twice reigned as world bantamweight and featherweight champion. He holds wins over Lionel Rose (KO 5), Chucho Castillo (W 15), Art Hafey (W 12) and Bobby Chacon (TKO 9, TKO 2). A superb knockout artist, of his 88 wins, 77 came by way of knockout. Extremely popular in his native Mexico, Olivares was also one of the greatest draws ever at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, Ca. Olivares was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
Born in Santo Tomis, Mexico, Cuevas turned pro in 1971. He captured the WBA welterweight championship in 1976 from Angel Espada (TKO 2) and reigned until 1980. The hard punching Cuevas successfully defended the crown 11 times, scoring 10 wins by knockout. Before retiring in 1989 he compiled a pro record of 35-15 (31 KOs) and registered wins over Clyde Gray (KO 2), Pete Ranzany (TKO 2) and Randy Shields (W 15) among others. In 2002 Cuevas was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Canada’s George Chuvalo to Attend
Canadian heavyweight champion George Chuvalo will be among boxing stars attending festivities planned for the 2015 Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend.
“Boxers don’t come any tougher than George Chuvalo,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “He was one of the most popular stars of the talent rich 1960s and 1970s heavyweight division and we’re thrilled that he will be in Canastota in June.”
Toronto’s Chuvalo began boxing in 1956. Within two years he won the vacant Canadian heavyweight title, a championship he would hold for the better part of twenty years. Chuvalo registered wins over Yvon Durelle, Doug Jones, Cleveland Williams, Jerry Quarry and Mike DeJohn. He engaged in two-world title bouts, first against Ernie Terrell in 1965 (L15) and Muhammad Ali in Toronto in 1966 (L15). Chuvalo retired in 1978 with a 73-18-2 (64 KOs) record.
Chuvalo will be one of the boxing stars featured at “A Night of 15 Rounders” on Friday June 12 t the Rusty Rail Party House during Hall of Fame Weekend.
Michael Spinks Confirmed
Legendary 1976 Olympic gold medalist, two-division world champion and Hall of Famer Michael Spinks is confirmed to participate in festivities planned for the 2015 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend.
“From the Olympic gold medal to historic reigns as light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, Michael Spinks did it all in boxing,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are absolutely thrilled that he will return to Canastota in June for the weekend celebration.”
Born in St. Louis, Mo., Spinks captured middleweight gold at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. As a pro, he won the WBA and WBC light heavyweight titles before becoming the first light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title when he defeated Hall of Famer Larry Holmes (W 15) for the IBF belt in 1985. Spinks retired in 1988 with a pro record of 31-1 (21 KOs) that includes wins over Yaqui Lopez, Marvin Johnson, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Gerry Cooney and Dwight Qawi. In 1994 Spinks was elected into the Hall of Fame.
Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2015. Living inductees include heavyweight champion Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe, featherweight champion “Prince” Naseem Hamed, lightweight champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, light flyweight champion Yoko Gushiken, manager Rafael Mendoza, referee Steve Smoger, journalist Nigel Collins and broadcaster Jim Lampley. Posthumous inductees in the Old-Timer and Non-Participant categories will also be honored.
For more information on the 2015 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095 or visit online at www.ibhof.com.