By Ryan Burton
Former Contender series contender participant Peter Manfredo Jr. appeared on the latest edition of "The Boxing Lab," BoxingScene.com's official audio show. He faces WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on November 19th in Houston, Texas in a bout televised by HBO.
Manfredo captured the IBO middleweight title in May when he knocked out Angel Hernandez but hasn't won a title from one of the four recognized sanctioning bodies. When I asked the Rhode Island native what winning the title would mean to him, he said that it would be a perfect finish to his career. He also said that if he doesn't win then he would walk away from the sport.
"Winning the belt means everything to me. It would be a great closing to my career. This is it for me. It is now or never. If it doesn't happen now I am going to move on," said Manfredo.
The Italian-American also said that he thinks his fight against Chavez will be fan friendly. He points out the fact that both Chavez and himself are easy to hit and also said that he isn't worried about the son of the legend's punching power.
"Chavez is no defensive wizard but then again neither am I. He doesn't have the one punch knockout power like (Sakio) Bika had. I think it will be an exciting fight for the fans," Manfredo explained.
While Manfredo has stepped into the ring versus the likes of Joe Calzaghe and Jeff Lacy, Chavez has faced a lot of criticism for not facing Sergio Martinez who is regarded as the best middleweight on the planet. There has been a lot of talk of Chavez facing Saul "Canelo" Alvarez early next year assuming he gets past Manfredo next week. Manfredo said that he wouldn't hesitate to step in the ring with Martinez but also revealed that he may be bound to a rematch against Chavez should he leave the ring victorious.
"I think there is a rematch clause (in the Chavez fight) but if you put that belt around my waist I will fight Martinez. I would love to fight him. I will jump in with a smile. A fight against Martinez will pay off my house. I won't duck him like Chavez is."
You can listen to the entire Peter Manfredo Jr. interview plus interviews with Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and Diego Magdaleno by listening to The Boxing Lab podcast tobtr.com/s/2458411
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Follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter and tune in to The Boxing Lab, Boxingscene's official audio on Tuesdays. The show is hosted by Ernie Gabion, Luis Sandoval and Ryan Burton
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