Witter to fight for WBC title in London

Wellington · Post by **Wellington** » 15 Aug 2006, 09:16

Witter to fight for WBC title in London

http://www.hennessysports.com/upload/Wi ... ck_600.jpg

Bradford’s Junior Witter has waited patiently for his opportunity to challenge for the most prestigious title in boxing.

Finally, he has it, in what will be one of the biggest fights in London for years.

On a Hennessy Sports event at the historic Alexandra Palace on September 15th 2006 Witter will meet American DeMarcus Corley, promoted by Don King, for the WBC super lightweight title. The action will be covered live by Britain’s premier boxing broadcaster Sky Sports.

It will be the first time that the green belt has been contested in the Capital since Lennox Lewis met Francois Botha at the London Arena in July 2000.

That was also the last instance of a Brit successfully contesting a WBC title fight, be it in a defence or a challenge, on home soil.

“This is the kind of fight I am in the sport for,” said promoter Mick Hennessy, head of Hennessy Sports. “I set out to promote fighters along the traditional title path, from British, Commonwealth and European right through to genuine world honours. They don’t come any bigger than the WBC. I am very proud to be bringing their title to the UK and I know Junior is very proud to be contesting it on home soil.”

The process of securing the fight has been a lengthy one, for both fighter and promoter.

Witter’s time looked to be drawing near way back in June 2005 when the WBC - as a reward for his win over Lovemore N’Dou in an eliminator and his outstanding form at British, Commonwealth and European level - installed him as their number one contender at 140lb.

His progress towards the Championship was severely delayed, however, when opponents nominated to meet him in final eliminators - for the right to establish who would face then champion Floyd Mayweather - withdrew on several occasions.

Matters were finally kick-started when the WBC, under long-term lobbying from Hennessy, waived the need for him to contest a final eliminator earlier this year given the lack of suitable opponents prepared to step up and face him.

He was happy to take the direct shot at Mayweather his new found status as mandatory contender afforded him, but shortly afterwards the widely regarded pound for pound king relinquished.

Former world champion Corley was subsequently nominated as his co-challenger for the vacant crown. A purse bid was called for but through lengthy negotiation with his counterpart Don King, Hennessy was able to secure a private deal and bring the fight to London. The fight has been scheduled for some time, with both boxers being given plenty of notice. Final terms were agreed and contracts signed earlier this week.

“Fair play to Junior Witter,” added Hennessy. “If any fighter deserves an opportunity like this, it’s him. He has done everything he can to get this fight. He got himself in the mix the proper way by winning British, Commonwealth and European Titles. He was recently named European champion of the year.

“He has been prepared to fight anyone to get his opportunity for the title. He fought Lovemore N’Dou, a top-class operator, in America, in an initial eliminator and was prepared to face any of the people put in front of him in a final eliminator. It’s refreshing in this day and age when there is a lot of ducking going on to see a fighter so confident in his own talent.

“Junior could have taken other opportunities. And not just for fringe titles. He was offered a fight against Ben Rabah for the IBF title but let it go to concentrate on what he and his team consider a harder, more worthy, contest for the WBC title.”

Witter’s loyalty to the green belt stems from the desire to fulfil a childhood ambition.

“The WBC belt is the one I have always dreamed of winning,” began Witter, 33(19)-1-2. “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 in the end. I’m glad it’s finally here and now I am going to do my best to keep the belt in Britain.”

Given his Championship pedigree, his chances of doing so are strong. Since the only defeat of his career - when he took Zab Judah the distance despite only being called up on just seven days notice to challenge for the IBF title in June 2000 - he has racked up eighteen wins, stopped 15 opponents, (all but one inside four rounds), and won 8 genuine title fights.

His win over N’Dou in February 2005 on his US debut was especially impressive. He became the first to ever floor the Australian based South African, (twice), on the undercard of Howard Eastman’s challenge to undisputed middleweight king Bernard Hopkins in Los Angeles.

Corley, however, has outstanding form of his own. In 2001 he won the WBO title with a sensational first round stoppage of Felix Flores, despite taking the fight just 5 days beforehand. He made two successful defences before losing to common opponent Judah, also at the hand of the judges.

Whilst Corley, 31(17)-4-1, has suffered two defeats in his five fights since, both have been at the very highest level. He performed admirably on both occasions.

In May 2004 he lost a decision to Mayweather, but not before heavily staggering the ring legend. In February 2005 he lost to Miguel Cotto, another star of the division, in a breathtaking war. He had his man out on his feet before being, some believe unfairly, stopped in the 5th.

Understandably, Witter is full of respect for his co-challenger.

“Corley is very good. A very dangerous fighter,” he said. “His record speaks for itself. He has a good solid chin and is a good solid puncher. He rocked both Cotto and Mayweather. He is the kind of fighter that I will lose to if I am not at my peak form. But I will be. I have to be for this fight.”

As, no doubt, Corley will be, making this a highly competitive fight between two world-class fighters in the best shape of their careers. The protagonist from this side of the pond is one who believes it will be well worthy of its WBC championship.

“It’s going to be an intriguing fight. Whilst we are both big punchers, we are both also thinking fighters with unorthodox styles. It’s going to be a technical fight with explosive battles thrown in. It’s going to be one of those fights where you are watching and then boom. That’s how it’s going to be,” finished Witter.

The Hennessy Sports ‘World Honours’ event takes place at the Alexandra Palace on Friday September 15th. For more information please visit http://www.HennessySports.com. Tickets priced at £35 Unreserved, £60 Outer Ringside and £125 Ringside Laminate, (with access to private bar), will be on sale from 16/8/2006 on: 0870 060 1795.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 15 Aug 2006, 15:34

Well, good luck to Junior, glad he's finally got his shot, god knows he's waited a bloody long time for it.

JC · Post by JC » 15 Aug 2006, 15:57

Yes good luck to Junior, although I fear his best years may be behind him.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 15 Aug 2006, 16:28

Tough one to call, but I'm just going to give the edge to Witter. I think we could have a repeat of recent fights - Witter dominating early, fading badly but clinging on to a close (maybe controvesial) decision.

Or lets not forget, for all Corley's credit in hurting Cotto and Mayweather, he did also get stopped (maybe early but definately hurt) vs Cotto and hurt vs Mayweather. For the opening 6 rounds anyway, Witter hits as hard as them.

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 15 Aug 2006, 18:11

Corley wins on points, unless he gets shafted by the judges. Witters last two performances cant be down to "not getting up for it", a decent world class pro would blast Lynes out of the arena inside 4. Kontelink is a euro level fighter and one that Witter stumbled against (to say the least).

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 15 Aug 2006, 18:25

stujones wrote:Tough one to call, but I'm just going to give the edge to Witter. I think we could have a repeat of recent fights - Witter dominating early, fading badly but clinging on to a close (maybe controvesial) decision.

Or lets not forget, for all Corley's credit in hurting Cotto and Mayweather, he did also get stopped (maybe early but definately hurt) vs Cotto and hurt vs Mayweather. For the opening 6 rounds anyway, Witter hits as hard as them.

Cotto is technically superior to Witter and Corley is better than anyone Witter has beaten to date. Getting stopped by Cotto is no knock on Corley, the fact that he stunned mayweather and had cotto stumbling up and down queer street like a cumdrunk poof makes him this a very dangerous fight.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 15 Aug 2006, 18:54

jamesmcdonnell wrote:
stujones wrote:Tough one to call, but I'm just going to give the edge to Witter. I think we could have a repeat of recent fights - Witter dominating early, fading badly but clinging on to a close (maybe controvesial) decision.

Or lets not forget, for all Corley's credit in hurting Cotto and Mayweather, he did also get stopped (maybe early but definately hurt) vs Cotto and hurt vs Mayweather. For the opening 6 rounds anyway, Witter hits as hard as them.
Cotto is technically superior to Witter and Corley is better than anyone Witter has beaten to date. Getting stopped by Cotto is no knock on Corley, the fact that he stunned mayweather and had cotto stumbling up and down queer street like a cumdrunk poof makes him this a very dangerous fight.

As I said the first four words in my initial post - I'm not that confident with the pick.

Yes, Cotto is technically better than Witter, but in different aspects. Defensively he is much more compact, but I would give Witter advantages over Cotto (especially early) in handspeed and even punch power - so I think he can catch him.

For the first 5-6 rounds vs N'dou, Witter looked like the 2nd best Light Welterweight in the world. He looked superior than Hatton, Cotto, Gatti - only Mayweather looked better. Then of course he faded badly.

boxerrob2005 · Post by **boxerrob2005** » 16 Aug 2006, 02:24

anyone going to this. i'm going to go, a witter win will be great for british boxing and everyone should get behind him like we did hatton against tszyu. Hope he can do it, but corley might just know too much. Come on Witter!

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 16 Aug 2006, 03:38

Interesting how he turned down the easier fight against Ben Rabah for the IBF. I think you have to give Witter allot of credit if he beats Corley and if he can turn the clock back 2years he may be KO Corley early which would be impressive

johnswan1 · Post by **johnswan1** » 16 Aug 2006, 03:55

Has anybody here been to that venue before? How big is it (compared to York Hall) and is it any good?

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 16 Aug 2006, 04:01

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:Interesting how he turned down the easier fight against Ben Rabah for the IBF. I think you have to give Witter allot of credit if he beats Corley and if he can turn the clock back 2years he may be KO Corley early which would be impressive

Ben Rabah looks better than Corley to me.

Lenny · Post by **Lenny** » 16 Aug 2006, 04:12

Has anybody here been to that venue before? How big is it (compared to York Hall) and is it any good?

Went for the Walker v Karmazin fight. It's a big venue and a doubt Witter will come close to selling it out. Walker has a much bigger fan base and there was a great atmosphere there for that fight but it was still half empty.
Unless Hennssey puts some big fights for his popular London fighters on the undercard then it's gonna look like a graveyard in there. If you go for the unreserved tickets be warned that it's all on one level so if you end up near the back you'll struggle to see anything unless you're quite tall. I'm 5,9' so I think i'm gonna go with outer ringside.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 16 Aug 2006, 04:34

Lets be honest Hennessy are doing a terrible job so far, they have only just made the announcement when we have known for a couple of weeks it was taking place. No undercard announced as yet as far as I know. The bout is month away! Knowing Witter is not a big ticket seller this is a little shortsighted IMO. With a bigger buildup they could have perhaps got Froch on the undercard maybe they still will.

kevin · Post by **kevin** » 16 Aug 2006, 04:42

Not sure if Froch is fit for a September bout I am sure he said he would be back in October/November.

Barker will be definate, just down the road from where he lives.

boxerrob2005 · Post by **boxerrob2005** » 16 Aug 2006, 05:07

did anyone see audley harrison fight there? how full was that? shame if its a bad crowd, really hope its packed. a witter , froch double header would be wicked, but i doubt that will happen

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 16 Aug 2006, 05:11

Is there something else on at York Hall that night? You'd think they'd struggle to fill that.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 16 Aug 2006, 05:36

Lenny Albert wrote:
Has anybody here been to that venue before? How big is it (compared to York Hall) and is it any good?
Went for the Walker v Karmazin fight. It's a big venue and a doubt Witter will come close to selling it out. Walker has a much bigger fan base and there was a great atmosphere there for that fight but it was still half empty.
Unless Hennssey puts some big fights for his popular London fighters on the undercard then it's gonna look like a graveyard in there. If you go for the unreserved tickets be warned that it's all on one level so if you end up near the back you'll struggle to see anything unless you're quite tall. I'm 5,9' so I think i'm gonna go with outer ringside.

Whilst the Alexandra palace is a magnificent grand old venue, and a great theatre for boxing, it needs to have staged seating otherwise it's impossible to see anything as it is far bigger than the york hall. I also went to Karmazin v Walker, and was in press was ok, but god knows how anyone at the back saw anything.

One major drawback about Ally Pally sadly, is that it is a pig to get to and moreso to get home from. I missed the last tube home and had to get a cab all the way to Brixton which cost me a bomb!

Whilst Hennessy promotions always put on good shows in my experience, they also have a habit of finishing VERY late, I think I got out of the arena at 12.15, and there were still fights going on!

Having said all that, it's a grand place to watch boxing and it feels like an event when you enter the arena, I may even go to this one as a paying punter, which I've not done for a while.

Who is thinking of going?

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 16 Aug 2006, 05:36

Lenny Albert wrote:
Has anybody here been to that venue before? How big is it (compared to York Hall) and is it any good?
Went for the Walker v Karmazin fight. It's a big venue and a doubt Witter will come close to selling it out. Walker has a much bigger fan base and there was a great atmosphere there for that fight but it was still half empty.
Unless Hennssey puts some big fights for his popular London fighters on the undercard then it's gonna look like a graveyard in there. If you go for the unreserved tickets be warned that it's all on one level so if you end up near the back you'll struggle to see anything unless you're quite tall. I'm 5,9' so I think i'm gonna go with outer ringside.

Whilst the Alexandra palace is a magnificent grand old venue, and a great theatre for boxing, it needs to have staged seating otherwise it's impossible to see anything as it is far bigger than the york hall. I also went to Karmazin v Walker, and was in press was ok, but god knows how anyone at the back saw anything.

One major drawback about Ally Pally sadly, is that it is a pig to get to and moreso to get home from. I missed the last tube home and had to get a cab all the way to Brixton which cost me a bomb!

Whilst Hennessy promotions always put on good shows in my experience, they also have a habit of finishing VERY late, I think I got out of the arena at 12.15, and there were still fights going on!

Having said all that, it's a grand place to watch boxing and it feels like an event when you enter the arena, I may even go to this one as a paying punter, which I've not done for a while.

Who is thinking of going?

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 16 Aug 2006, 05:42

nickd wrote:Lets be honest Hennessy are doing a terrible job so far, they have only just made the announcement when we have known for a couple of weeks it was taking place. No undercard announced as yet as far as I know. The bout is month away! Knowing Witter is not a big ticket seller this is a little shortsighted IMO. With a bigger buildup they could have perhaps got Froch on the undercard maybe they still will.

Absolutely, they needed to hype this for a couple of months and have a big undercard hyped for a month at least. I think were going to have a Broadie like affair where no one knows we have a Brit going for a world title.

Lenny · Post by **Lenny** » 16 Aug 2006, 05:51

I'll be going, very close to where I live.

Struggled to watch the Walker v Karmazin fight. Everyone was so hyped up they were standing on their chairs for the event and having drunk a fair bit that night I was finding it very difficult to stand on my tip toes, on my chair without falling down. Staged seating is a must.

Also agree they have messed up on this promotion.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 16 Aug 2006, 06:18

I've a feeling there's been a lot going on behind the scenes that had to be sorted before this announcement could be made.

Looked at it another way, they have done well to get Junior, a fighter without a big following and without much marquee value, a title shot in the first place.

boxerrob2005 · Post by **boxerrob2005** » 16 Aug 2006, 06:47

Witter against lynes sold out the york hall, so id imagine witter - corley would even if witter isnt really popular. the east end crowd are knowlegeable so if witter-corley for a genuine world title contested between 2 world class fighters couldn't sell out the york hall then it shows just how far british boxing has fallen.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 16 Aug 2006, 06:54

Yeah it's been strange low key affair, but as James says, it was probably down to Corley holding out during negotiations.

Witter should win it with home advantage, but I'm not too sure he will....

Great venue, I saw Barry McGuigen and Nigel Benn top the bill there - Nigel coming into the venue to the chimes of Big Ben - great atmosphere but not sure about the seats...everyone was standing up anways I think.

But yes, a bugger to get to. And Witter is going to be a tough sell.

Top class fight though, and he'll put one over on Hatton if he wins. Seems a sure bet these two will meet next year if he does - a natural UK superfight, at long last.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 16 Aug 2006, 07:00

Hmm, have my doubts whether or not Hatton and Graham would ever give Witter the opportunity now.

boxerrob2005 · Post by **boxerrob2005** » 16 Aug 2006, 07:10

well hatton may have no choice but to fight witter if he wins as that maybe his only big fight if he returns to lightwelterweight which it seems he will. Cotto, baldomir, mayweather, judah. margarito and gatti are all at welterweight. If witter wins he will be the man to beat at light-welterweight, compared to urango, mybaye. Witter is in a better position than hatton now. When you think about it the hatton win over collazo has been a total waste of time, that fight has put him right back.