07.04.04 – Junior Witter’s first fight in his hometown of Bradford is ‘Overdue’. Despite promises, in eight years as a professional he has campaigned everywhere but. Junior Witter’s first marquee title fight with notice is ‘Overdue’. Despite proving himself as Europe’s best light welterweight, aside from the British and Commonwealth title tilts that he could not be denied he has so far had to settle for an IBF title shot on just seven days notice. Hennessy Sports have delivered him both. The 30-year-old switch hitter challenges Italy’s Salvatore Battaglia for the vacant European light welterweight title on Friday April 16th at Town and Country Club (formerly Penningtons) in Bradford after Britain’s most dynamic promotional company secured the rights to promote the contest.
“Finally I am being given the opportunities my ability deserves,” said Witter. “At last I will show my hometown what Junior Witter is all about. “This is going to be the start of something massive.
“It should have happened a long time ago – even when I fought for the British title I had to travel to Northampton to beat Alan Bosworth – but the past is the past and I am just looking ahead now.”
“I am very grateful to Mick Hennessy, particularly as he is only promoting this fight on a purse bid and we have never worked together before.”
“Obviously he appreciates what I am capable of. I am going to repay that faith with a devastating performance.”
That is just what will be required. Battaglia is the current Italian Title holder, has mixed in Championship class on eleven occasions and has only been defeated three times in 24 fights.
His first reverse came by way of injury on his debut.
His most recent last February when he travelled to Germany to take on Oktay Urkal in his first challenge for a European title. All predicted a whitewash in favour of the champion. Instead the 30-year-old Italian forced the pace over the distance and many felt deserved to have his hand raised.
Being in his opponent’s backyard, however, none were surprised when the verdict went against him – but only just.
He dropped a split decision (116-113 twice to Urkal and 115-113 to him)to a fighter who took Kostya Tszyu close for the WBC and WBA titles and went on to dominate Eamonn Magee in his next defence.
“This is toughest fight of my career,” added Junior.
“Battaglia is a top class operator. He is just the type of fighter Hatton should be boxing.”
“Instead – regardless of who he is originally matched against – he ultimately ends up in the ring with fighters well past their sell by dates and or two weight divisions lighter.”
“Even then he doesn’t always look good.”
“After sparring with Pedersen a few years back I know I would have stopped him in two rounds.”
“The kid was brave enough but he had only boxed once since November 2002, had never fought at 10 stone and not so long ago was a super featherweight.”
“If that is the kind of criteria required, no wonder they didn’t ask me to step in.”
“I would have seriously taken that fight, regardless of what anyone says, and won.
“I had my hair cut, my shorts pressed and everything.”
‘Overdue’ takes place at Town and Country Club, Bradford. Tickets are available on 01234 224488.