26.05.04 – It has been confirmed that Junior Witter will co-feature on the June 2nd Hennessy Sports ‘home II’ event at the Nottingham Arena alongside Commonwealth champion Carl Froch, who will now face a different challenge following the unfortunate withdrawal of original opponent Tony Dodson. The British champion suffered damaged vertebrae in a car crash on Tuesday night near his family home in Garston. Thankfully he is expected to make a full recovery.
“Obviously I am very disappointed, but my first thoughts are obviously for Dodson’s well-being,” said Froch on hearing the news.
A suitable replacement opponent will be found for the 26-year-old Commonwealth champion to allow him to still compete in front of his hometown fans.
On a night of old school boxing the Nottingham faithful will also have the opportunity to get behind another of Britain’s brightest talents in Junior Witter
The Ingle trained switch-hitter meets Salvatore Battaglia in a mouth-watering clash for the vacant European light welterweight title.
The two have history. Witter was due to have got this long overdue marquee title shot with notice in his hometown of Bradford back in April, only for Battaglia to withdraw minutes before the weigh-in with Gastroenteritis.
The Italian will travel again to Britain to take up the challenge. The national champion may wish he had stayed at home.
“I am going to be taking a whole lot of frustration out on Battaglia,” vowed Junior, who is in no doubt about the magnitude of this fight.
“Despite the fact that I have already proved myself the best in Europe, I want that title more than ever now.
“It will provide me with the perfect platform from which to launch an attack on the world stage.
“As will beating somebody of the calibre of Battaglia.
“He is the Italian national champion, has fought in 12 title fights and only lost twice.
“One of those defeats came last year when he travelled to the highly talented Oktay Urkal’s backyard and only narrowly missed out by split decision.
“That is as good as a win in my books.
He is a top-class operator and is going to be in good shape; we have both been training hard for this fight for months with just that small interruption in April.
“It’s going to be explosive, but I am going to come through – and in style.
“This is about taking the next step towards genuine world honours and as I have said before, flying the flag for Britain.”
The Hennessy Sports ‘home II’ event takes place on Wednesday June 2nd at the Nottingham Arena. It features Commonwealth champion and hottest prospect in world boxing Carl Froch, Junior Witter vs Salvatore Battaglia for the European light welterweight title, Francis Barrett vs Gavin Down for the EU light welterweight title and members of the Hennessy Sports team. Tickets are available on 0870 121 0123.