By Jason Kim: WBO middleweight champion Dmitry Pirog (18-0, 14 KO’s) could be facing veteran Peter Manfredo Jr. (37-6, 20 KO’s)next in a bout that would be taking place in the summer if it can be put together.

Although boxing fans have had high hopes for Pirog to take on some big named opponent after destroying Daniel Jacobs last year, Pirog is moving at a more leisurely pace. He’s defended title only once since capturing the title last year in July.

Pirog recently defended the strap finally, taking on and beating Argentinian contender Javier Francisco Maciel in March in what was a very disappointing performance from Pirog. Some say it was the ring rust that caused Pirog to look so average. It could be that boxing fans overestimated his ability after his performance against the very green Jacobs.

Manfredo’s promoter Lou Dibella said on his twitter page that Manfredo Jr could be next for Pirog with the winner of that bout taking on another one of Dibeella’s fighters in his stable Sergio Martinez. I like that idea a lot better than having Manfredo Jr. fight Martinez straight away, which was an idea that Dibella was kicking around recently until HBO reportedly said no to the idea of Martinez-Manfredo.

At least if Manfredo Jr. beats Pirog he will have proven himself worthy of facing Martinez. Right now I can’t say he deserves a big fight like that considering that Manfredo has been beaten in the past by Sakio Bika, Jeff Lacy and Joe Calzaghe – the best fighters he’s faced in the past five years.