LAST EDITED ON 03-31-05 AT 03:45 PM (EST)

Hey there, everyone.

Obviously, I'm a newbie on this board. And while I'm creating this thread for the purpose of my introduction, I also felt it would be beneficial to have a primary thread dedicated to the forum's future rookies.

So here goes:

When I first heard about the show, The Contender, I was really excited. You see, I'm from Pawtucket, Rhode Island .. and around here Peter Manfredo is the source of a lot of local pride. We simply haven't had a boxer here this talented since Vinny Pazienza (Cranston). That being said, there was no doubt I had to support the local kid!

Coming home from work .. I caught the end of the first episode and was devastated by the result. Peter was gone in the first episode! I mean, damn, I at least expected a little build-up before the let down! I immediately stopped watching. I was too disappointed to continue.

But as the next few weeks passed by, I couldn't help but observe all of the excitement surrounding The Contender. People were lovin' this show! So, when episode 4 came along, I tuned back in time see 1) an impressive Segio victory and 2) the return of Manfredo! Man, it was like fate. I come back and so does the Pride of Providence! By the time Peter captured the East's first win in the following episode, I was hooked!

Since then, I've watched every available clip from the shows I missed. I've visted the almost every boxer's personal website, I've looked for internet forums for conversation, and I constantly look for updates daily. In the process of doing so, I've also grown to like many of the other boxers. In other words, I like the show now for more than Manfredo.

Anyway, I have to say that I'm impressed with the quality of discussion here. This place looks to be the best on the internet. I genuinely look foward to contributing to the forum as the season progresses.

Here are a few of my thoughts thus far.

- I have a good feeling about Juan. Yes, he's young -- but his experience in Mexico cannot be ingored. He's my sleeper pick. I see him advancing to the next round and upsetting a boxer like Ishe. I can't wait to see.

- This show has almost been too obvious in their foreshadowing. Now, I've seen Manfredo fight a lot before .. and he's a much better fighter than he's shown thus far. Still -- Stallone and Sugar are really pushing for him after his last win. Hmm, but why? He really hasn't shown much! I think they're preparing us for Manfredo winning his next fight.

- Back to the foreshadowing. After Peter's win last Friday, the camera zones in on Alfonzo's face. And, geez, does he look intense! Almost like he's staring down Peter for battle. If you watch the re-cap clip, you'll see it clear as day. Add to the fact that Alfono had claimed Peter as "finished" a number of times before, and I sense a re-match coming, folks.

- Have you guys (and girls) discussed the impact of these fights being only 5 rounds? Or would which fighters benefit more? I think this dynamic aids the brawlers quite a bit.. and allows less-experienced fighters like Sergio a greater chance at making it very, very far. Why? Punches, punches, punches. A perfect example would be the Ahmed-Ishe fight. The "pretty boy" was forced to fight toe-for-toe with the larger Ishe because of the short bout. When you have to win a fight in 5 rounds, the pressure to be active and agressive heightens significantly. Advantage for the bigger, stronger fighters -- especially when stamina isn't a huge concern.

- We'll get an even better idea of how the fight-length affects the boxing variables if Peter ever faces Anthony. He beat him pretty convincingly in 12 rounds only a year ago.

You can read all about it here:

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=1161&more=1

"The Pride of Providence, Peter Manfredo Jr., 154, (21-0, 10 KO’s) used superior hand speed and punching accuracy to outgun Anthony ‘The Bullet’ Bonsante, 152, (24-4-3, 13 KO’s) of Shakopee, Minnesota over 12 rounds to capture a unanimous decision in this weeks ESPN2 Friday Night Fights main event. The 33-year old Bonsante fought with heart and aggression, but appeared to sag as the rounds progressed spending much of the fight grabbing and holding his 23-year old counterpart."

“A very tough kid, very strong, “said a victorious Peter Manfredo Jr. of his opponent after the fight. “But I’m the champion and I told you. If it’s going to go 12 rounds I’m ready for it. I feel like I could go another 12.”

"The judge’s scorecards read: 120-109, 118-109, and 120-107, all in favor of Peter Manfredo Jr."

There's a reason the other boxers respect this guy so much -- he's easily the most tested fighter on the show. Being ranked #3 in the sport is no joke. Still -- with the parameters set the way they are, Sergio looks like a real tough opponent.

Can't wait for Sunday!

The East can finally celebrate, baby.