Frankie Gavin has vowed to rip the British welterweight title from Junior Witter's grasp after being named as his mandatory challenger.

Gavin has made slow progress since turning professional in 2009 but the former amateur star hopes a win over Witter will pave the way for more major fights.

Witter is a former world champion at light-welterweight with far more ring experience than Gavin, but the Birmingham fighter insists he will outsmart the wily veteran.

"I respect Junior Witter but don't mistake my respect for fear," Gavin told boxrec.com. "I'm technically a better boxer and I punch a lot harder than he thinks I do.

"I will outwit Witter. I expected his fight with Colin Lynes to be a 50/50 fight but Witter picked his punches and held his way to a win.

"He is very awkward and a fighter's punch is the last thing to go, so I expect him to punch hard."

When asked about his future plans, the 26-year-old added: "I want to win the Lonsdale belt outright and fight (Leonard) Bundu for the European title.

"Then I will be in a position where I can look towards a shot at a world title."