20.10.05 – Junior Witter, who looked in fantastic shape as he made the weight at the first time of asking this afternoon for his triple title defence against Colin Lynes at the York Hall in Bethnal Green tomorrow night, (October 21st) intends to win a genuine world title within his next three fights.
“This is going to be a massive 12 months for me,” said the British, Commonwealth and European light welterweight champion, after registering 9 stone 13lb 11oz at the first time of asking at Leyton Orient FC. “Everything I have ever aimed for throughout my career, everything I feel I am capable of achieving, is now within touching distance. I plan to be a world champion within three fights.
“Now that the WBC has ordered me to fight a final eliminator, (for the right to fight their champion Floyd Mayweather), against Gianluca Branco, it’s all in my hands now. There is no more hanging around, trying to get someone to give me shot.”
That includes IBF light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton.
“I am not going to sit here, waiting for Ricky to finally fight me,” Hennessy Sports promoted Witter explained. “I don’t need to. I’m going to go out there and win a world title of my own in the fastest time possible.
“If that means not fighting Hatton so be it, that could still happen down the line in a unification fight. Boxing is very political, so I will take my manager John Ingle and promoter Mick Hennessy’s advice on the best route.”
Some believe that the domestic rivals will never fight, particularly if Hatton is matched cautiously when making voluntaries. Witter wouldn’t like to see that scenario:
“I think it would be wrong if Ricky reached this level and sat back again like he did on that WBU title,” the 31-year-old said.
“This may sound like sour grapes, but he still has something to prove. Ricky didn’t fight anything like near a prime Tszyu.”
Witter’s first obstacle on his path to glory is proven Championship contender Colin Lynes, who also weighed inside the limit at 9 stone 13lb 11oz. The champion is not expecting the walkover some are predicting.
“I am definitely not looking past Lynes,” added Ingle trained Witter. “I think he is underestimated. He is technically very good and has a lot of heart. I have got a fight on my hands tomorrow night.”
As has English super featherweight champion Roy Rutherford, who weighed in at 9 stone 3lb 2oz. He defends against a ripped and highly confident Billy Corcoran, 9 stone 3lb 4oz.
“I am really up for this fight,” said Corcoran, also promoted by Hennessy Sports. “I have been in training for two and a half months and am in great shape.
“I will give it everything to win my first title. After that I will be looking towards the British. That is my aim for about the middle of next year.”
Tickets for the Witter-Lynes event at the York Hall on October 21st being promoted by Matchroom Sports in association with Hennessy Sports can be purchased on 01277 359900. Sky Sports 1 televise.