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Witter dominates Harris to retain title

08/09/2007

Junior Witter retained his WBC light welterweight title after knocking out former WBA champion Vivian Harris in the seventh round of their fight in Doncaster.

Witter looked in control of the fight from the second round onwards, taking the attack to the challenger as he looked to put on a show for an on-looking American TV audience.

The Yorkshire fighter has been in the shadow of fellow welterweight Ricky Hatton for much of his career and saw the challenge of Harris as an opportunity to show he was also a boxer of ability.

The Hitter knocked his opponent down at the end of the fourth round before landing the final blow in the seventh.

Witter shook Harris with a series of left hands and then followed those up with a crushing right that sent the Guyanese fighter to the canvas, however this time Harris failed to beat the count.

The 33-year-old feels he will get more respect and the chance to take on big name opponents after beating the highly-respected Harris.

He said: "I've been in with seriously good fighters and beat them, I've had world titles and still people don't give me credit.

"But I am the best 140lb fighter around. I am the man."

The key to Witter's victory came when he changed from the regular stance he had used in the opening three rounds, to a southpaw stance thereafter.

Harris appeared unable to cope with the champion's versatility and consistency. Although Harris was able to counter with some good hooks the 29-year-old never looked likely to claim Witter's title from him.