Junior Witter - Why cant he sell tickets?

[dbf]

Despite the big punch K-O's he can be akward and frustrating to watch, which is just his style unfortunately.

He stands off a lot and can look clumsey at times and doesn't have the appeal of a well schooled traditional fighter or a mexican style brawler.

I also believe despite him seeming like a decent bloke, he does come across as quite arrogant in a non appealing way (unlike say, David Haye).

I like junior and really want him to suceed but there is just that little something missing for him to catch the general publics eye.

Referring to the final comment you made, I dont think the general public know him. He has fought on Sky where he is known to boxing/sports fans but I dont think he has had any exposure on ITV or BBC. When he fights on ITV the casual fan/general public will be seeing him for the first time. This is his BIG chance. If he does well and puts on an exciting performance ITV will stick with him and that will do him loads of good. I wish him well and hope this is the turning point for him.

I believe Witters European title fights were shown on the BBC when Hennessy had a deal with them.

[STP]

Also, Benn and Eubank were on every billboard in London and city of fight location, with the box office telephone numbers.

[chris_23]

It is a shame because the guy is undoubtedly a fantastic fighter and has THE prestigious belt in the division.

To my mind (and maybe I read this wrong) it is pure madness to have him on a Froch undercard, that just shouldn't be - if that is the case he needs a new promoter NOW... go back to FW - FW would love to get one over on 'the one who shall not be named' - WHY HASN'T ANYONE ELSE MENTIONED THIS - JNR IF YOU ARE READING THIS IS PERFECT!!

A comment above about building up a local following is (IMO) the crux of his issue.

The reason that 'one who shall not be named' zoomed forward in the popularity stakes is that even when he just had a WBU title he could sell out the MEN in Manchester. I was there when he fought McGee and the atmosphere was electric. The same with Farnell - even with WBU title he'd pack arena's out with a mad following.

Witter needs a PR Consultant and to stop mentioning 'the one who shall no be named' and focus on himself.

One thing is for sure is it definitely isn't too late for him.

I think he needs to be more of a whore to the game. As someone mentions above Calzaghe isn't Mr Personality, he's actually quite a shy bloke out of the ring believe it or not but his crows pulling comes down to a lot of passion from the Welsh so isn't a fair comparison.

Naz had attitude and to be fair (love him or hate him) he delivered 9/10 times apart from Barrera.

Eubank had attitude and I'm sure it was a 'love to hate' thing with him plus the Benn rivalry..

Witter isn't charming/he isn't Welsh/can't guarantee delivering on boasts unless he wants to come unstuck so he's been going for the rivalry plan and it ain't working. He now needs to step out on his own and do some serious PR work to build up a following.. I think he should go to America sign with De La Hoya or HBO and that could set up a huge career finishing fight with 'the one who shall not be named' in 1-2 years time via Global TV.

Good luck to him - I hope Max Clifford is reading and picks up the phone to old Jnr.. maybe he could get some sexy scandals going or something LOL.....

[Twinkle Toes]

The only reason he doesn't sell more tickets is because his legions of fans are too busy posting on boxing message boards about how great he is.

:)

[Poncey]

It is a shame because the guy is undoubtedly a fantastic fighter and has THE prestigious belt in the division.

To my mind (and maybe I read this wrong) it is pure madness to have him on a Froch undercard, that just shouldn't be - if that is the case he needs a new promoter NOW... go back to FW - FW would love to get one over on 'the one who shall not be named' - WHY HASN'T ANYONE ELSE MENTIONED THIS - JNR IF YOU ARE READING THIS IS PERFECT!!

A comment above about building up a local following is (IMO) the crux of his issue.

The reason that 'one who shall not be named' zoomed forward in the popularity stakes is that even when he just had a WBU title he could sell out the MEN in Manchester. I was there when he fought McGee and the atmosphere was electric. The same with Farnell - even with WBU title he'd pack arena's out with a mad following.

Witter needs a PR Consultant and to stop mentioning 'the one who shall no be named' and focus on himself.

One thing is for sure is it definitely isn't too late for him.

I think he needs to be more of a whore to the game. As someone mentions above Calzaghe isn't Mr Personality, he's actually quite a shy bloke out of the ring believe it or not but his crows pulling comes down to a lot of passion from the Welsh so isn't a fair comparison.

Naz had attitude and to be fair (love him or hate him) he delivered 9/10 times apart from Barrera.

Eubank had attitude and I'm sure it was a 'love to hate' thing with him plus the Benn rivalry..

Witter isn't charming/he isn't Welsh/can't guarantee delivering on boasts unless he wants to come unstuck so he's been going for the rivalry plan and it ain't working. He now needs to step out on his own and do some serious PR work to build up a following.. I think he should go to America sign with De La Hoya or HBO and that could set up a huge career finishing fight with 'the one who shall not be named' in 1-2 years time via Global TV.

Good luck to him - I hope Max Clifford is reading and picks up the phone to old Jnr.. maybe he could get some sexy scandals going or something LOL.....

I said the same thing to Dooley yesterday mate. Hennessey fighters seem to concentrate more on calling out others fighters instead of raising their profile on their own. I thought it was a shame that Junior fought in a basketball court for the best belt in the division against a credible opponent.

I disagree about putting him on the Froch card. I think the terrestrial exposure will do him the world of good, and it's at a time that isn't bad for the US (excluding PST). I just hope he doesn't get nervous.

Plus, as I'm going, I want him to be on the card.

[Old bones Ian]

I think its quite a good point about boxers not self promoting , but instead calling out opponents, look at Thaxton. he's in one of his biggest fights on Friday. But all he seems to have done is promote Khans fight on Saturday.

[STP]

I think he should go to America sign with De La Hoya or HBO

He's been signed with Golden Boy for about four years believe it or not. Shame they haven't done anything with him, that promotional outfit.

[chris_23]

I think he should go to America sign with De La Hoya or HBO

He's been signed with Golden Boy for about four years believe it or not. Shame they haven't done anything with him, that promotional outfit.

Surely if that is the case then it appears they are covering all bases... I mean GO TO AMERICA not just be on US TV... Go fight on a heavyweight undercard ... HBO surely would love him??? Bob Arum is all about top fighters facing eachother...?????

[Poncey]

I think he should go to America sign with De La Hoya or HBO

He's been signed with Golden Boy for about four years believe it or not. Shame they haven't done anything with him, that promotional outfit.

Surely if that is the case then it appears they are covering all bases... I mean GO TO AMERICA not just be on US TV... Go fight on a heavyweight undercard ... HBO surely would love him??? Bob Arum is all about top fighters facing eachother...?????

Witter is still tarred by US TV about his odd performance in the Judah fight. Also, GBP had loose ties with him (because they have an agreement with Hennessey), as they did with Saurland for Ibragimov.

US tends to take a while to warm to a European fighter. Hopefully it hasn't been left too late.

[WildWaylon]

Some very good answers and lack of PR seems a good reason for him not selling tickets. Lack of association with a town or a major football club was another very good point. We all know Khan is from Bolton and we all know Hatton supports Man City. Being associated with a football team is definately going to help you gain fans. All he has to do is follow Hatton, Froch and Haye and plug a football team and it will help him a lot.I also have to agree his lack of commitment in some of his fights hasnt helped either.

[WildWaylon]

He's been signed with Golden Boy for about four years believe it or not. Shame they haven't done anything with him, that promotional outfit.

Surely if that is the case then it appears they are covering all bases... I mean GO TO AMERICA not just be on US TV... Go fight on a heavyweight undercard ... HBO surely would love him??? Bob Arum is all about top fighters facing eachother...?????

Witter is still tarred by US TV about his odd performance in the Judah fight. Also, GBP had loose ties with him (because they have an agreement with Hennessey), as they did with Saurland for Ibragimov.

US tends to take a while to warm to a European fighter. Hopefully it hasn't been left too late.

I dont think so, Hatton wasnt considered all that good for a long time by the Yanks, now they fully acknowledge him and he has a lot of fans over there. I know what you mean though Witter is 35 and he has to get a move on.

[chris_23]

Deceptively simple, none of his 'fans' will go and watch him fight, they just sit on the Internet complaining about fights he is not having rather than taking in the ones he has. Or even talking those on the horizon up.

Read the Internet and then ask peope who Witter fights next and they will look blankly and then scream: "Not Hatton! Grrr!"

The only way to get his Internet contingent to go to a Witter fight is to put Hatton in the other corner. Suddenly, in a Hatton fight, Witter's support will got from tiny to in the thousands, begging the question of whether they were Hatton fans after all.

Hopefully he has made enough money to set him up for life. If not we may see post-boxing reports of him still having to make a living. Witter's fans read the reports. Blame Hatton. Buy £750 a head tickets to Hatton's latest after dinner date, they then sit muttering darkly under their breath about unfurling a banner whilst munching on their steak and veggies. They then head home to deface the latest copy of Hatton's autobio, 'Ain't no tickling contest', before throwing darts at their Hatton dart board, they then drink 2 Quarts of wine, purely so they can relive themselves into their Hatton 'non-tickling' Jimmy-jams. Punch the Hatton bedspread for a minute, then sleep, perchance to dream of Hatton.

Wake up the next day to find Witter is making a comeback in order to raise cash. Do they buy tickets? Do they shite.

Grrr...

LOL

Merchandise brother & sisters...LOL

[jamesmcdonnell]

Deceptively simple, none of his 'fans' will go and watch him fight, they just sit on the Internet complaining about fights he is not having rather than taking in the ones he has. Or even talking those on the horizon up.

Read the Internet and then ask peope who Witter fights next and they will look blankly and then scream: "Not Hatton! Grrr!"

The only way to get his Internet contingent to go to a Witter fight is to put Hatton in the other corner. Suddenly, in a Hatton fight, Witter's support will got from tiny to in the thousands, begging the question of whether they were Hatton fans after all.

Hopefully he has made enough money to set him up for life. If not we may see post-boxing reports of him still having to make a living. Witter's fans read the reports. Blame Hatton. Buy £750 a head tickets to Hatton's latest after dinner date, they then sit muttering darkly under their breath about unfurling a banner whilst munching on their steak and veggies. They then head home to deface the latest copy of Hatton's autobio, 'Ain't no tickling contest', before throwing darts at their Hatton dart board, they then drink 2 Quarts of wine, purely so they can relive themselves into their Hatton 'non-tickling' Jimmy-jams. Punch the Hatton bedspread for a minute, then sleep, perchance to dream of Hatton.

Wake up the next day to find Witter is making a comeback in order to raise cash. Do they buy tickets? Do they shite.

Grrr...

Quite right, fact is, Witter is a Sheriff with no jursidiction, a parliamentarian with no constituency. Thus it has always been, and I fear, thus it shall stay.

However, I still think Hatton should face him, he's his biggest genuine rival at 140, and Hatton clearly has no business at 147.

[twenty six]

If you analyse the boxers that have been around the Wincobank gym from the 90's to date, there are many decent fighters to name, and in the main, they all had their nucleus of hardcore supporters who would be there on fight night, hail snow or blow.
To name a few.
Hamed, Nelson, Rhodes, Pickering, Thaxton, Witter.
Sadly, Junior really didn't even have that nucleus.
He is quite a complicated character I have found. I could never warm to him - but he had talent in piles often displayed in sparring sessions in the gym. In the end, the conclusion I reached is that he is a shy personality, and will always have problems talking the talk so to speak, which in itself, often sells tickets regardless of ability.
I just find it hard to believe Junior, even when comments are made tongue in cheek.
Like him or loathe him, even when Johnny was giving it the big licks, you found yourself having an affinity with him.
Of the 5 named above as examples, I don't think any of you can deny the other 4 all handle themselves well, with supporters, TV, press et al.
Each also had a local following.
Naz was verdantly followed by the Yemeni community as well as local boxing fans in the early years.
Esham had a good following from his Nottinghamshire roots, Rhodes still has his following from North Sheffield, Johnno due in no small part to the fantastic work done by his mum was very popular in Norwich, even though based 100's of miles away.
Johnny had a fan base within the West Indian community as well as local boxing fans.
Witter had ........ nowt.
Bradford has been mentioned. He never found an affinity with the fans there, and it is somewhat galling that the Area title holder, Siddy, from the same gym and similar community can sell out whenever he fights often selling in excess of 1000 tickets. What about the WBC title holder ?
It's too late to do anything now.
Junior's 35 now, and I just have a nervous feeling that people at the higher echelons of boxing would sooner he be out of the way.
Promotors have lost faith in him in the past because hey guys like it or not, Promotors promote to make money, not just furnish quality purses.
Witter is on an undercard simpy because it would be nigh on impossible to pay the money needed to Junior and a credible opponent to make money.
I'm a Sheffield lad, and a boxing fan born and bred. Always followed the local lads, always will.
The enigma that is Junior Witter will always be a subject I struggle to get my head around and will always be a tale of "if onlys" for me.
When I'm sat in the pub in my late sixties, and the dads are talking to their sons about that kid Hatton, I'll have to jump in and get laughed at when I say there was a better boxer called Witter - and the resounding response will be "WHO ?"

[tonyevs]

Some good points made .. and without coming out as a die-hard-Hatton-fan .. which I am not.

I think he hasn`t helped himself by banging on about Hatton for too long .. maybe if he was not to mention Hatton it may work in a type of reverse psychology .. without people thinking "Oh not again.."

He has bundles of talent, and I too think he would be favourite against Hatton .. but he comes across as arrogant in and out the ring .. something I`m sure he is not .. but his superior talent in the ring and his constant calling out of Hatton really gives that impression.

Where as Hatton is looked upon as the `guy down the road` .. no airs and graces .. with a do or die fighting mentality .. some fighters after getting KO-ed are almost shunned after .. Hatton`s appeal went up .. probably because we knew he really wasn`t that good .. but win or lose he gives his all.

[Spud]

If you analyse the boxers that have been around the Wincobank gym from the 90's to date, there are many decent fighters to name, and in the main, they all had their nucleus of hardcore supporters who would be there on fight night, hail snow or blow.
To name a few.
Hamed, Nelson, Rhodes, Pickering, Thaxton, Witter.
Sadly, Junior really didn't even have that nucleus.
He is quite a complicated character I have found. I could never warm to him - but he had talent in piles often displayed in sparring sessions in the gym. In the end, the conclusion I reached is that he is a shy personality, and will always have problems talking the talk so to speak, which in itself, often sells tickets regardless of ability.
I just find it hard to believe Junior, even when comments are made tongue in cheek.
Like him or loathe him, even when Johnny was giving it the big licks, you found yourself having an affinity with him.
Of the 5 named above as examples, I don't think any of you can deny the other 4 all handle themselves well, with supporters, TV, press et al.
Each also had a local following.
Naz was verdantly followed by the Yemeni community as well as local boxing fans in the early years.
Esham had a good following from his Nottinghamshire roots, Rhodes still has his following from North Sheffield, Johnno due in no small part to the fantastic work done by his mum was very popular in Norwich, even though based 100's of miles away.
Johnny had a fan base within the West Indian community as well as local boxing fans.
Witter had ........ nowt.
Bradford has been mentioned. He never found an affinity with the fans there, and it is somewhat galling that the Area title holder, Siddy, from the same gym and similar community can sell out whenever he fights often selling in excess of 1000 tickets. What about the WBC title holder ?
It's too late to do anything now.
Junior's 35 now, and I just have a nervous feeling that people at the higher echelons of boxing would sooner he be out of the way.
Promotors have lost faith in him in the past because hey guys like it or not, Promotors promote to make money, not just furnish quality purses.
Witter is on an undercard simpy because it would be nigh on impossible to pay the money needed to Junior and a credible opponent to make money.
I'm a Sheffield lad, and a boxing fan born and bred. Always followed the local lads, always will.
The enigma that is Junior Witter will always be a subject I struggle to get my head around and will always be a tale of "if onlys" for me.
When I'm sat in the pub in my late sixties, and the dads are talking to their sons about that kid Hatton, I'll have to jump in and get laughed at when I say there was a better boxer called Witter - and the resounding response will be "WHO ?"

A bloody excellent post!!!

Whoever is a Witter fan is going to be very harshly frustrated - sadly its just the way boxing is - Always stated its not just about the fights - the politics surrounding the sport has a bigger part to play!!!

[hitman_hatton1]

When I'm sat in the pub in my late sixties, and the dads are talking to their sons about that kid Hatton, I'll have to jump in and get laughed at when I say there was a better boxer called Witter - and the resounding response will be "WHO ?"

you'd deserve more than a laugh for comments like that.

[03mcgs0]

Now for agreements sake let’s compare Witter with john Duddy.... Witter is a champion and has been for some time. Duddy on the other hand is not, and unfortunately based on his last fight will not be for a little while yet, (but some day he will be) but thats getting away from what I’m talking about. Duddy can pack out arenas all along the East Coast of America i.e. New York and Boston. I know people here in Ireland are literally dying to get to his next few fights and thats making a transatlantic flight to watch a fight (myself included). It’s crazy to think this guy who is not a champion but commands this respect and support base while the champ junior witter will have this........

[DG.]

probably the fact that 1 he is boring to watch, 2 he has no personality, 3 he switch hits every 5 seconds, 4 he is arrogant beyond belief, 5 he is weird. these reasons will have something to do with it. or and 6 apart from DG. noone likes him

Who is this NOONE?


He is supposedly ARROGANT that is a personality trait, is it not?


WEIRD? YOu are called Jackthehat? NOW THAT'S WEIRD!

[DG.]

probably the fact that 1 he is boring to watch, 2 he has no personality, 3 he switch hits every 5 seconds, 4 he is arrogant beyond belief, 5 he is weird. these reasons will have something to do with it. or and 6 apart from DG. noone likes him

Who is this NOONE?


He is supposedly ARROGANT that is a personality trait, is it not?


WEIRD? YOu are called Jackthehat? NOW THAT'S WEIRD!

DG loves the guy so much he is thinking about going to one of his fights, the Hatton fight isn't it DG?

I fight against injustices!

I champion the cause of the ORDINARY MAN!

Persecuted people of the world unite!


Witter Vs Hatton is a fitght for the people!


DID YOU HEAR THE HATTON'S

Ray said he heard Junior was looking for a fight but he is sorry - but Frank Maloney has already sorted out the 4 and 6 round underard fights!

The Hattons are out of control!

[DG.]

WRONG. the Hattons are IN control, its them who have the pulling power because Hatton is exiting, well known, and liked. 3 things Witter isnt.

DG. what is ur obsession with Hatton Witter?????
ur posted i dont know how many topics on boxrec and doghouse alone, calm down DG. it would be a repeat of the Witter Judah fight anyway, a survival fight with someone running switching running switching

Jack, get back in your hat!

Its all in fun, but Hatton is a fraud!

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

I fight against injustices![/

DG and his Nelson Mandela complex!

I champion the cause of the ORDINARY MAN![/

Now he thinks he is that ugly scottish bird on that watchdog programme!

Persecuted people of the world unite![/quote]

Hahahahaha...

[/quote]

Possibly DGs finest post!

[DG.]

I fight against injustices![/

DG and his Nelson Mandela complex!

I champion the cause of the ORDINARY MAN![/

Now he thinks he is that ugly scottish bird on that watchdog programme!

Persecuted people of the world unite![/quote]

Hahahahaha...

Possibly DGs finest post!

[/quote]


The secret is out, I AM JUNIOR WITTER!


Biaatches!!!!

[observer1]

Guys like Naz and Tyson, They KNEW how to Sell Tickets, not in "Hundreds of Thousands", but in Millions.

Obviously you got the Idiots (sady even on These Boards) saying "oh, he is a big head, thinks he is cool, i will be happy if he Loses".
etc. etc.

Thing is, these idiots don't realize the REASON for the Hype and Trash-Talk.

Attention = Hype = Ticket Sales = Popularity = Big Fights

[Spud]

Attention = Hype = Ticket Sales = Popularity = Big Fights

Still hasn't worked for Junior then has it?

Either the public are not happy with his performances or the promoter is not doing his job.

The media are clearly not on side - if they were that would be half the problem solved in selling the fighter to the public - you can't just spout on about Hatton no matter how valid your points are!!!! - you have to go out of your way to prove the point in the ring - now do you think Junior has been exciting in the ring in all of his fights??

The promoter in this case - Hennessy has his work cut out - to be honest I think he has missed the train and been left at the platform.