Former Boxing Pro Charged With DWI

A former middleweight boxing pro was charged with driving while intoxicated in Forked River, Lacey police said.

Theodore Mannschreck, also known as “Irish” Teddy Mann, was charged with DWI and reckless driving after police investigated an automobile accident.

At approximately 10 p.m. May 27, police responded to a two-vehicle collision, officials said. A 1990 Mercury Sable, driven by Mannschreck, was traveling west on Lacey Road when it struck a 2007 GMC Pickup that was backing out of a driveway on East Lacey Road near Melwin Drive, police said.

No injuries were reported in the collision, police said.

Mannschreck, 60, of Forked River previously served a term at the Ocean County Jail in 2001 for robbery, an official with the Department of Corrections said.

Mannschreck pleaded guilty in 2001 and was sentenced to five years in prison after he allegedly helped a childhood friend carry out the robbery of $75,000 from a Dover Township bank, according to a News 12 article.

Police previously said the boxer drove the getaway car but Mannshcreck claimed he let his friend stay at his place in return for a portion of the robbery cash, the story says.

Mannschreck retired from boxing in 1984 with a 28-15 (15 KO) record, according to his biography on his website. He beat seven different Golden Glove or Amateur Athletic Union (A.A.U.) champions, won the New Jersey Blue and White Tournament and was the runner up for State A.A.U., both in 1976.

He is known for winning the Florida State Middleweight Title in 1978 after a seventh round knock out and for his upset of Robbi Epps of California in 1982 in Atlantic City.

Mannschreck now does signings for his autobiography “Fighting for Redemption.”

As a Central Regional track and cross-country star, the description of the book states that Mannschreck was a “troubled youth.” Mannschreck had been in and out of jail, was a drug user, drug dealer and built a lucrative smuggling business until caught by authorities.

“With the prospect of a lengthy prison term looming, Ted knew he had to do something to give the judge a reason not to throw the book at him,” the description said. “As a repeat offender, he knew this time he would be going away for good! In desperation he returned to the one thing he knew how to do well - fight!”

Seven days before the Forked River accident, Mannschreck was at the Sawmill Bar and Grill in Seaside Heights for a book signing.