Two popular blasts from the past, Vinny Paz and “Irish� Micky Ward, will be in opposite corners on March 14 as honorary captains of Team Italy and Team Ireland, respectively, for the Italian-Irish themed “Rumble at the River� pro boxing show at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

“Rumble at the River,� part of “The Budweiser Night at the Fights� series at Twin River, is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., in association with Twin River, Budweiser and Tournament of Contenders.

World super middleweight challenger “The Pride of Providence� Peter Manfredo, Jr. (28-5, 13 KOs), star of The Contender I television reality series, headlines “Rumble at the River� against Shane “The Irish Hitman� Benfield (17-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

Paz is a former 5-time world champion who won 50 pro fights, while Ward participated in three “Fights of the Year,� highlighted by his famed trilogy fighting Arturo Gatti. “Vinny Paz and Micky Ward are two of boxing’s all-time great warriors,� promoter Jimmy Burchfield said of the two charter members of CES’ Ring of Honor. “They have both kept their fires burning in boxing, Vinny as a television analyst and Micky as a trainer. Many young fighters, especially in New England, are involved in the sport because they watched these two fighters in action. We’re thrilled that they are involved in ‘Rumble at the River’ as team captains. I’m very happy to call Vinny and Micky my personal friends. They know what boxing has done for them and they give a lot back to the boxing community. They’ll be available to pose for pictures and sign autographs. Our unbeaten heavyweight contender, “Baby� Joe Mesi, will also be there for fans to meet.�