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Witter finally lands dream title shot

15/08/2006

Junior Witter, Britain's most underrated boxer of the past decade, has finally been given another shot at the big time with a lucrative showdown against former WBO champion DeMarcus Corley for the vacant WBC light welterweight crown.

Six years have passed since Witter, 32, lost his one and only previous world title shot, going down on points to American fighter Zab Judah at Glasgow's Hampden Park in June 2000.

That defeat remains the solitary blemish on Witter The Hitter's 33-fight career record and he has since gone on to claim the European, British and Commonwealth light welterweight belts.

Now the Bradford boxer will fight for boxing's most prestigious belt, a World Boxing Council title, and he will do it on home soil at the Alexandra Palace in London on September 15th.

"The WBC belt is the one I have always dreamed of winning," Witter said. "As a kid that was the belt I always wanted. That is why I have held out for it for so long. If they are honest, I think it is the title most fighters want in their heart. I always knew I would get my opportunity."

American fighter Corley, a Don King product, will be no pushover, however, as the 32-year-old from Washington has won 31 of his 36 fights with 17 coming via knockout.

But Witter will be raring to go come September and he has the added incentive of knowing that Ricky Hatton, his bitter British light welterweight rival, will likely be next in line.

Meanwhile, confirmation of Witter's Corley fight means next month will be a hugely exciting one for British boxing fans - Clinton Woods and Michael Jennings also fight in world title bouts with the former taking on Glen Johnson for a third time with the IBF light heavyweight at stake and Jennings facing the big-hitting Takaloo at welterweight.

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