Peter Manfredo returned to winning ways against Walid Smichet in Montreal - then wasted no time in calling out Irishman John Duddy.
American set to be at ringside for Duddy's next fight
Peter Manfredo returned to winning ways against Walid Smichet in Montreal - then wasted no time in calling out John Duddy.
The American recorded a seventh-round stoppage of the Tunisian in his first bout since failing in his bid to claim the vacant IBO super-middleweight title.
The 28-year-old lasted less than three rounds last November when he was stopped by Sakio Bika in a battle between two former Joe Calzaghe opponents.
However, he returned to winning ways by dispatching Smichet to stretch his professional record to 32-6 in a fight made at 166lb.
Confidence builder
"It was a nice win and good confidence builder," he said. "I hurt him in the third and after that I knew I could hurt him anytime.
"He was tough, though, and came back fighting. I hurt him again in the sixth and knew that it was only a matter of time.
"I was bigger, stronger and better than him and proved it today, not only to the fans, but to myself. I'm a top-level performer who only had three weeks to get ready for this fight."
Manfredo now sees his long-term future down at middleweight - leading him to target Duddy as his next opponent.
'The Pride Of Providence' intends to be at ringside in Newark on Friday night to see the Irishman take on Billy Lyell.
"I'm coming down to middleweight and I want Duddy," Manfredo, who lost to Calzaghe back in 2007, added.
Duddy has yet to taste defeat in his 26-fight career and is hoping a victory over Lyell will boost his hopes of a showdown with Kelly Pavlik.
