16.05.08 – by James Slater: The fight between defending WBC light-welterweight champion and his mandatory challenger Timothy Bradley resulted in a fairly clear win for the fighter knows as “Desert Strom,” yet ex-champ Witter says he can do better in a second fight. Claiming he was no way near his best on may 10th, the 34-year-old wants a rematch. So, too, does his promoter Mick Hennessy..
Speaking to British Boxing News recently, Hennessy told how he is confident a rematch can be made.
“There was no rematch clause due to his [Bradley’s] mandatory status,” Hennesy told Boxing News. “But I believe the WBC rules state that if it does not go to purse bids (Witter-Bradley 1 did not go to bids) then the host promoter has the right to stage a rematch. But their camp are confident and were great to work with. They have expressed interest in a rematch, possibly in America, so it really comes down to T.V and I’ll be talking to the networks next week. Showtime loved the show.”
Would the majority of fans buy a Bradley-Witter II? The first fight was certainly interesting, but it was no classic. And as for Witter’s claims that he can do better, will the fans believe him enough to pay to see him try?
Hennessy says it was clear it was not the real Junior Witter in the ring last time out, however.
“Everyone knows it wasn’t Witter out there,” the promoter said. “as problems have since come to light and he wants the rematch.”
The ‘problems’ Hennessy spoke of relate to the fact that Witter’s father was/is seriously ill and therefore it could possibly be read that he meant this affected Junior’s performance last Saturday night in Nottingham. Giving Witter the benefit of the doubt, and accepting that this factor did indeed contribute to his loss, the fact remains that he was beaten fair and square. Sure, it’s bad luck that the 34-year-old had to fight with such a heavy weight on his mind, but that’s not Bradley’s fault. Should the new champ give Witter a rematch then?
If he wants to do so, then yes. But in no way should Bradley be forced to grant Witter the return. Let’s face it, there are better and more attractive fights out there for the stylish 24-year-old. I have the feeling most fight fans would prefer it if Bradley chose to take those bouts instead of going back in with Witter – whether or not Junior was at his absolute best the first time around or not.