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By Derek Bilton
Junior Witter has revealed that he was offered the chance to box Miguel Cotto later this month.
The British, Commonwealth and European light-welterweight champion was in the frame as a late replacement for Gianluca Branco, who recently withdrew from his scheduled challenge to WBO kingpin Cotto on September 24 in Atlantic City.
However the Bradford stylist turned the fight down as it was too short notice.
"Neither my training team the Ingles, my promoter Hennessy Sports, my co-promoter in America Oscar de la Hoya, or myself thought I should face Cotto on just a few weeks notice," Witter said.
"At this stage of my career I don't need to take last minute jobs.
"I have earned the right to challenge for a genuine world title on my terms.
"I am the number one contender to one of the best fighters in the world."
After an impressive win over Lovermore D'Dou, Witter has moved into the top three of all the governing bodies rankings.
"I feel it (the win) really showed what I am all about. It was certainly one of the best performances of my career.
"N'Dou had never been put down in his career - even though he has boxed several top class contenders, including world champion Miguel Cotto - but I floored him heavily twice.
"Then I came on strong down the stretch, despite fracturing my hand in the early rounds, to secure a comfortable points decision."
He is highest placed with the WBC, who recently installed him as their number one contender to pound for pound contender 'Pretty Boy' Floyd Mayweather.
"Given my position in the ratings, one of the genuine champions will have to fight me sooner rather than later," Witter explained.
"My preference would be to meet Mayweather, as he is the best in the division and I want to prove I am the best by beating the best. He also holds the prestigious WBC belt."
Witter's win over Lovemore N'Dou will be shown in full on Channel 5's fight of the week on September 28.
Junior Witter has revealed that he was offered the chance to box Miguel Cotto later this month.
The British, Commonwealth and European light-welterweight champion was in the frame as a late replacement for Gianluca Branco, who recently withdrew from his scheduled challenge to WBO kingpin Cotto on September 24 in Atlantic City.
However the Bradford stylist turned the fight down as it was too short notice.
"Neither my training team the Ingles, my promoter Hennessy Sports, my co-promoter in America Oscar de la Hoya, or myself thought I should face Cotto on just a few weeks notice," Witter said.
"At this stage of my career I don't need to take last minute jobs.
"I have earned the right to challenge for a genuine world title on my terms.
"I am the number one contender to one of the best fighters in the world."
After an impressive win over Lovermore D'Dou, Witter has moved into the top three of all the governing bodies rankings.
"I feel it (the win) really showed what I am all about. It was certainly one of the best performances of my career.
"N'Dou had never been put down in his career - even though he has boxed several top class contenders, including world champion Miguel Cotto - but I floored him heavily twice.
"Then I came on strong down the stretch, despite fracturing my hand in the early rounds, to secure a comfortable points decision."
He is highest placed with the WBC, who recently installed him as their number one contender to pound for pound contender 'Pretty Boy' Floyd Mayweather.
"Given my position in the ratings, one of the genuine champions will have to fight me sooner rather than later," Witter explained.
"My preference would be to meet Mayweather, as he is the best in the division and I want to prove I am the best by beating the best. He also holds the prestigious WBC belt."
Witter's win over Lovemore N'Dou will be shown in full on Channel 5's fight of the week on September 28.
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