“El Diablo’s” First-Ever Appearance at Event!
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s (NVBHOF) 6th Annual Induction Awards weekend is just around the corner with events taking place THIS Friday, August 17 and Saturday, August 18 at the legendary Caesars Palace.
One familiar face will be making his first-ever appearance at the NVBHOF festivities. Former champ Angel Manfredy and his wife Yvette are in Las Vegas to take part in all the gatherings with the fighters, fans and boxing family from around the world. On Friday there will be a Meet & Greet Fan Experience and on Saturday there’s a World Boxing Council (WBC) Green Belt Amateur Boxing Challenge with the awards banquet taking place that same evening.
I caught up with the warrior (known as “El Diablo in his fighting days) to hear Team Manfredy’s thoughts on their trip out to the Vegas Strip. I asked them when was the last time they were in Sin City?
“I can’t even remember the last time I’ve been to Vegas it’s been so long,” Yvette relays to me. She mentions how NVBHOF CEO Michelle Corrales-Lewis ((her late husband Diego Corrales fought Manfredy) invited the couple to attend this year’s bash.
The Manfredys are coming out from Crown Point, Indiana and are looking forward to connecting with old boxing pals and meeting all the fans.
In his heyday, Angel, now 43, was a fan favorite in the ’90s era of boxing. Wearing a devilish mask, his fiery walkouts caught the attention of fans worldwide. He beat Arturo Gatti, Jorge Paez, Julio Diaz, Ivan Robinson and more. The warrior also squared off against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Diego Corrales, Paul Spadafora and others before retiring from the ring in 2004.
During his pro career, Manfredy (43-8-1, 32 KOs) was menacing and aggressive with his no-holds barred fisticuffs.
“I didn’t duck nobody,” he tells me. “I gave the people what they wanted.”
The former WBU Featherweight Champion can’t wait to see all his fans again.
“I fought there in Vegas but it’s been a while since I’ve been there,” the slugger recalls.
Known for his reckless style both in and out of the ring, Manfredy has survived drug and alcohol abuse, a horrific car accident, suicide attempts and more. Staring down his demons, he is now a family man who attends church regularly.
And still by his side is his beautiful bride of 27 years, Yvette.
“We’ve been together for 27 years and this Nov 26 will be our 20th wedding anniversary!” she says.
They have three children and four grandkids. Yes, believe it or not, “El Diablo” is a devoted grandfather at the age of 43!
He is still connected to the sweet science training and managing fighters in his hometown near Gary. The gladiator has been through a lot through the decades. In fact, he’s currently working on a book about his life and there’s talk of a documentary and/or movie being made of his turbulent, incredible life and career. There’s also been talk that Angel could one day be inducted into future Hall of Fames too. He, like many prizefighters before him, has sacrificed his body, his life, to entertain the fans. A blood-and-guts boxer, the scrappy Manfredy literally has tasted the depths of defeat and the fruits of victory.
And the fans loved him for it. Now the ticket holders in Las Vegas will have their chance to meet Angel in person at the NVBHOF!
The Indiana pair can’t wait to see everyone this weekend.
It’s always a sell-out weekend, so be sure to get your tickets now! Click Here.
And stay tuned for my future in-depth interview with Angel Manfredy!
My preview article about the 2018 NVBHOF: