UK Boxing News: Witter Rates Lynes

Junior Witter believes that he is in for a harder nights work than is being anticipated when he defends his British, Commonwealth and European light welterweight titles against Colin Lynes at the York Hall this Friday, (October 21st).

Whilst many fight fans believe that the Bradford switch-hitter could be in for a walkover, the fighter himself has seen enough in his opponent’s recent performances to suggest that he won't have things all his own way.

“People are definitely underestimating Colin Lynes,” said Witter. “He is a good fighter, with good technical skills, a decent chin and a lot of heart.

“He has demonstrated that recently, particularly in his last fight, (a points win over American Jauquin Gallardo). Whilst some thought he was lucky to get the decision, he showed me a few things. Enough to make me think: ‘OK, I have got a fight on my hands here.’

“I will definitely win this to line up my final eliminator for the right to fight Floyd Mayweather, but I am going to have to work for it. It’s not going to be easy.”

The 31-year-old from Bradford – labelled ‘old’ by Lynes – is, however, still looking to win early, as he has done in 15 of his last 17 fights.

“Colin has had a couple of close decisions go his way, (against Gallardo and also Pablo Sarmiento last May), so I’m not going to be relying on the judges,” Witter added.

“I am looking at prevailing around the middle rounds, after he has dug deep. That is when I can see this so called 'old' man taking the boy to school.”

Should that scenario play out, it will be Lynes second defeat at the home of British boxing.

“Lynes has improved a hell of a lot since he lost at the York Hall to Samuel Malinga in 2003, (officially on a cut). But not enough,” Witter added. “He is going to lose there again – It is going to become his bogey venue.”