Peter Manfredo Jr. Returns

Former world title challenger Peter Manfredo Jr. (33-6, 18 KO's) is back and ready to compete with boxing's best in 2010. The Providence native takes on Minnesota journeyman Matt Vanda (42-9, 22 KO's) this Friday at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut in a scheduled 12 round middleweight fight. It will mark Manfredo's first appearance in the middleweight division since 2005.

"I feel real good, feel real confident, feel real sharp like I did with (Scott) Pemberton and (Joey) Spina ", Manfredo tells 8countnews.com in an exclusive podcast interview.

Manfredo reflects on his last nationally televised fight, a stoppage loss to Sakio Bika, and discusses his hopes for the new year. Among topics discussed are the demise of The Contender, a potential clash with Irish middleweight John Duddy and of course, the fight this Friday against Vanda.

Check out the interview now on the 8countnews.com podcast.