Hopkins next for Witter

Brit confident ahead of title defence

Last updated: 16th January 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hopkins next for Witter

Witter: Vowing to KO Hopkins

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Junior Witter will be out to boost his reputation when he defends his WBC light-welterweight title against Demetrius Hopkins in America on March 22.

The Bradford bomber has been given the chance to prove his worth by TV network HBO with victory likely to assure him of a huge pay day against Ricky Hatton or IBF title holder Paulie Malignaggi.

Witter, who floored the dangerous Lovemore N'Dou in his one and only fight across the pond almost three years ago, is confident he can make a name for himself against the undefeated nephew of middleweight great Bernard.

"I'm going to deliver in America," he told the Bradford Telegraph & Argos. "I'm not just going to kick the door wide open but rip it off its hinges.

"Hopkins is good but he's not met anyone like me. It may be in his own back yard but it's just him and me in a square ring when that first bell sounds. I'm not interested in winning on points, I'm going to knock him out."

Arrogance

Hopkins is unbeaten in 28 fights but is not known as a knockout artist, winning just 11 inside the distance.

However, Witter was struck by the arrogance of 'The Gladiator' when the pair met after the N'Dou fight in Los Angeles.

"We spoke for a bit and Hopkins came over as cocky and arrogant. He acted all big and brash as if I should be scared of him because he'd won 15 fights or so," he added.

"He found out we both boxed at 140lb and said we'll have to fight some day but it's got to be for a title. I said that I only fight for a title.

"I'm not saying he isn't a good fighter but he struck me as over-confident and who thinks he's better than he is.

"He is taller and has a good reach but why should that bother me? (Vivian) Harris was about six foot as well with a very similar style - and look what happened to him.

"He's got a good reputation in America but I'm going to win in style and put the pressure on everyone out there like Hatton and Paulie Malignaggi."

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