07.02.05 – By Coach Tim Walker – tpwalker@hotmail.com – Sources report that it could really be true? After months and months of calling out the best light welterweight fighters in the world from Floyd Mayweather Jr. to Ricky Hatton to Kostya Tszyu, Junior Witter finally realizes that he will never get any of those fights unless he brings his high power act to the States and beats a recognizable name. That is not to say that boxing isn’t appreciated greatly in other countries but the States is where the big show goes down. Is Witter one of the best in the game? Yes he may be one of the best in the game but the problem isn’t whether he is or isn’t, the problem is that big fish like Mayweather, Tszyu and now Hatton feed in a different pond. Outside the die-hard boxing fan the name Junior Witter doesn’t invoke response.
Witter, whose record is 30-1-2(19), has recorded 14 wins all by knock out since losing to newly crowned undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah back in 2000. Witter supporters stipulate that he was young and experienced when trenched against Judah. In reality Judah turned pro in September 1996 and Witter made the jump into the pro ranks only four months later. Judah however was the busier fighter. By the time the two met in the first defense of Judah’s IBF Light Welterweight Title in mid 2000 Judah had 7 more professional fights than Witter.
For his efforts Witter will lace up his gloves against South African tough man Lovemore N’Dou. N’Dou, though talented, seems to know how to lose the big dance but has never been stopped as a professional. Boxing fans will be very interested to see if Witter’s power can do to N’Dou what Miguel Cotto’s couldn’t. Or if his boxing skill is enough to widen the margin of victory beyond the mark that Sharmba Mitchell posted. Simply stated, this fight will be a gauge for Witter.
This bout will be non-televised on the Hopkins vs. Eastman, Taylor vs. Edouard card. A win of any type will take him to another level. A crushing win will afford a headline or two and propel him in the sport. On the other hand a loss will earn him a flight back to his native England and relegate him to fighting lesser competition and earning lesser paydays.
If this fight is made it will be great for fans and even greater for the winner.
Tim Walker