Why did Manfredo take part in The Contender?

[hugh grant]

Manfredo looks tiny against Joe. About 4 inches smaller. Joe is supposedly 5ft11according to imdb. So Manfredo must be about 5ft 7inches

[Barry_Might]

Apparently Manfredo's pops didnt want him to go on the contender but jr defied his dad and went on anyway.

I say it was a good move for him cause if he had of got a title shot earlier he would've just been found out earlier and his career would have been finished earlier.

[micky_knox]

if it wasnt for the contender he prolly woulnd be getting his shot at joe now

[The Noose]

In an article i read today he said
"The Contender was great because it made me a house hold name, but from a boxing viewpoint it was terrible, as I was already the North American Middleweight Champion and due a title shot in 2 bouts".

According to him he would have got a title shot a few years ago, instead he chose the Contender??

And now hes gonna get his arse kicked by Calzaghe.