By Ryan Burton

BoxingScene.com spoke to IBO middleweight world champion Peter "The Pride of Providence" Manfredo who looks to defend his title versus William Joppy on October 8th at The Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

Last week Manfredo's promoter Lou DiBella told BoxingScene that he would love to match his fighter against Kelly Pavlik on the undercard to Pacquiao versus Margarito in Arlington, Texas on November 13th. Manfredo wants that fight as well but isn't looking past Joppy.

"My dad told me about that article with DiBella talking about fighting Pavlik. I love it but as far as I know I have Joppy on the 8th of October. I'm not looking past that. I got to take care of him first. Its one fight at a time.  I haven't heard about Pavlik from my promoter yet."

The Italian American feels a fight between Pavlik and himself is one that the fans would definitely love to see. "I have to be smart in the ring but take chances at the same time. I'm going to get hit because I'm no defensive genius.  We all know that. But its a fight I know I can win and the fans will love it."

When asked if he would be able to turn around and fight again five weeks after the Joppy fight Manfredo said, "Does a one legged duck swim in circles (laughing)? Definitely I could do both depending on cuts or getting an injury. If all goes well (against Joppy) let's get it done."

The Providence native elaborated further by saying he feels the fight with Pavlik would be an all out war. He also feels that Pavlik would be interested in trying to take his IBO middleweight title. "I definitely think it would be a back and forth type of fight because neither of us will back down. I got this IBO title and I think he would want it.  It took me a couple of beatdowns to get to this point so I don't want to let this belt go."

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