by Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com has been informed that promoter Lou DiBella is planning to explore a middleweight fight between Peter Manfredo Jr. (37-6, 20KOs) and Nobuhiro Ishida (23-6-2, 8KOs). Since dropping down to middleweight, Manfredo has won his last six, and Ishida is coming off his first round stoppage James Kirkland from April. DiBella will reach out to Ishida's promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, to see if there is any interest in the fight. If a deal can be reached, DiBella would like Manfredo-Ishida to open up the televised fall return of former welterweight champion Andre Berto. No date has been finalized for Berto's return, but he could face IBF champion Jan Zaveck - if the IBF approves it.