10.05.08 – by James Slater– Tonight, in Nottingham, England, unbeaten 24 year old Timothy Bradley of Palm Springs in the U.S took defending WBC light-welterweight champion Junior Witter’s belt via a close but well deserved split decision. A knockdown scored by Bradley in the 6th round proved vital, as the man known as “Desert Storm” prevailed by scores of 115-113 and 114-113. Witter, from Bradford, got the nod from the third judge via a 115-112 margin.
Right from the start it was clear the ten years younger man was a formidable and dangerous challenger. Looking as fast as Witter, yet more powerful, the 24 year old’s right hand in particular was a very effective weapon. Junior did his usual switch-hitting, and he caught Bradley at times, but he just couldn’t seem to get into his groove.. Caught more than he has been in many a fight, it appeared to this writer that age has perhaps begun to dim Witter’s reflexes a touch. This is not to say the champ did not land some sharp and hurtful shots of his own, it was simply a case of Bradley being a hair faster.
The challenger’s left jab was also a fine weapon, as was his left hook – both of which scored throughout. The biggest drama of the fight came in the 6th round, as a huge right hand caught Witter flush and sent him crashing to the mat. Though badly stunned, the champion beat the count and managed to survive Bradley’s furious follow-up attack. With both fighters now marked up – beneath the left eye in Bradley’s case, under the right in Witter’s – the fight had warmed into a very exciting and watch-able affair. Coming out for the 7th, the 24 year old was really going for it. Trying his best to take Witter out, Bradley had the champion back-pedalling for all he was worth. But Junior did come back in this round, too. Landing a notable left hand to the head, the older man made it clear he was still very much in the fight.
A warning was given to Bradley for dangerous use of the head in the 8th (not his first caution of the evening for the same offence) and slightly messy round ensued. Witter managed to land enough to take the round, however. A desperately close fight, both men’s corners were doing their best to motivate their fighter. Witter looked tired and began to grow a little ragged in the final rounds, and Bradley, who still looked quite fresh, capitalised. Another good right hand opened a cut over Junior’s left eye in the 11th, and it seemed it was going to be Bradley’s night. The 24 year old won the last round for me also, and sealed his victory.
Simply put, Bradley was more aggressive, landed more punches, scored the fight’s only knockdown and wanted it more. The Palm Springs man was a worthy winner indeed. There were boos to be heard as Bradley celebrated his win as the bell rang, but deep down the fans in attendance had to know the challenger had been the better man. It was close, no doubt, but the right man was given the victory.
With his win and in claiming the world title, Bradley improved to 22-0(11). Some huge pay days now await him. The beaten Witter, who will now have to give up on his dream of fighting Ricky Hatton, surely, fell to 36-2-2(21) – his only other loss also coming on points, to Zab Judah 8 years ago.