By James Slater – Only a week ago, whilst being interviewed on Sky Sports’ magazine show Ringside, 36-year-old Junior Witter said he is no longer able to make 140-pounds. The former WBC light-welterweight champ is set to return to the ring as a welterweight on Feb. 19th, in what will be his first fight since losing to Devon Alexander in August of 2009. It was assumed “The Hitter’s” comeback would see him try and regain past glories up at 147, but today, on Sky Sports News, Witter said he is “100-percent” interested in accepting the April 16th date with WBA 140-pound champ Amir Khan..
Khan’s father, Shah, in speaking with UK tabloid The Sun, said that Witter “was on Khan’s list” of potential Aril 16th challengers. Paul McCloskey and Lamont Peterson “over-priced” themselves, and Khan doesn’t seem interested in granting Breidis Prescott his rematch wish. Undefeated lightweight John Murray is also under consideration, but Witter has called Khan’s bluff (if it was a bluff) by stating he is ready and willing to fight him in Manchester in April.
So, now that Witter has had a change of heart and is claming he CAN still make 140, will Khan take Witter on as his next challenge? Witter says the opportunity is too good for him to miss.
“My manager John Ingle spoke to me about the Khan offer, I’m up for this a 100-percent,” Witter said. “It would be an opportunity too good to turn down fighting for a world title again. I’m fighting on the 19th of February in Canada at welterweight for the first time and I’m on the weight now at 10 stone 7-pounds (147), which is usually what I weigh three weeks before making the 10 stone (140) limit. So I don’t see any problems doing it again.”
Style-wise, if he has retained a good share of his old skill, switch-hitter Witter could give Khan one of his most demanding fights. Slippery, fast and accurate and powerful, the former champ has proven his quality time and again. But Witter has not looked good since 2008, and we do not know (and neither does he know himself) what he has left in 2011. Not only is that a concern, but will Witter be able to fight again so soon after Feb. 19th?
Khan is expected to announce today (finally!) who he will be fighting on April 16th – will it be the crafty veteran who unsuccessfully chased Ricky Hatton for all that time?
Witter has a word of warning for Khan; one the 24-year-old should pay attention to if he does agree to defend against Junior.
“Training has been perfect and sparring with the likes of Kell Brook (who also wants a shot at Khan) has sharpened my skills,” Witter said. “Khan, you have never boxed anyone with my experience, calibre and credentials. So if you want to start playing with fire be careful, you might get burnt!”
Could a highly intriguing all-British showdown be on the cards?