The Witter Palace

By Suzanne Nield

On the same pay-per-view event as Ricky Hatton’s IBF title challenge to Juan Urango on January 20th, our very own WBC light-welter champ Junior Witter takes on Mexico’s Arturo Morua at London’s Alexandra Palace in his first title defence. The last time an Ingle boy met a Mexican under the spotlights things didn’t go too well, and the humiliating defeat of Naz at the hands of Barrera is being bandied about the chat rooms as though there’s a chance something like it could happen again.

No way. And let me tell you why.

It’s true that The Hitter’s style has the eccentric Ingle stamp, which makes him something of an acquired taste. Junior has a sort of barbed feline playfulness. When he befuddled DeMarcus Corley to win his present title, we were entertained with a bit of swashbuckling, some naughty snappy jabs like a towel flicked in a locker room, and a half-minute game of musical statues. Witter eluded the Washington southpaw’s jabs with ease, picking his shots and landing terrific right hooks in the middle rounds, effortlessly keeping the action ring-centre despite Corley’s attempts to drive him. Corley, smug from mixing it with royalty like Pretty Boy and Cotto, was confused, lost badly on points, and shuffled off mumbling something about hometown decisions. He now works as a stepping stone and designer of quality menswear.

Let me remind you that Corley was WBO champ for two years and former Golden Gloves primo. While there were no worries for Junior against this tough opponent, Floyd’s wide unanimous decision over Corley obscures the fact that he gave the Pretty One a bloody eye and some nasty moments on the ropes. It was an uncharacteristic fight for Mayweather in that he was the aggressor – detractors, of course, always point to negativity when looking for a flaw in Mr Pound-for-Pound’s golden armour. The same stick has been used to beat Witter – the argument that Junior’s style isn’t gruff enough to get bums on the cheap seats and away from the wrestling. And yet, as for Mayweather, the points keep clocking up on the scorecards. Whether you’re a Floyd fan or not, he has surely paved the way for the American TV networks to grasp that real boxing fans are starving for artistry, and their appreciation can influence those bums.

Old-school boys and girls, don’t be appalled by the tales of Witter’s unorthodoxy. Educate your tastebuds to appreciate our homegrown champ. Junior Witter is no arrogant circus performer but a terrific boxer – keeps a high, tight guard, sneaks through the smallest opening, and doesn’t give his opponent one second to settle into a comfortable routine. Look at his record – only one loss in 37 bouts, to Zab Judah for the IBF title six years ago. That fight was clearly too early for Junior, who nevertheless lost on points with such dignity, and frustrated Judah so well, that the Bradford man found himself avoided on the world title scene and consigned to the wilderness afterwards. Undaunted, Witter set about patiently accumulating the British, Commonwealth and European belts, never failing to meet a mandatory challenger, and building a reputation as a true professional dedicated to his sport. He takes such care of his body he even steams his Christmas turkey. (Ricky, are you listening to this?)

It was actually Dominic Ingle who started the Naz-Marco comparisons by calling Arturo Morua a rough version of Barrera. Former WBA Fedecentro and WBO Latino titlist Morua is certainly your classic Mexican battler, reluctant to take a step backwards, comes in low and likes to get to know his opponent’s pancreas. I remember when he fought Jung-Bum Kim back in ‘05 he also showed an extremely accurate left stinger, to leave Kim’s face in a state. Arturo was impressive in that fight, showed some slick counterpunching as well as a strong chin. But he does get tagged – in his most recent bout against Lenin Arroyo, a split decision over ten rounds, he was floored in round 1 and cut around the eyes. In his loss to Ben Rabah, the Mexican was on the canvas twice. Many were surprised when a much-bruised Morua took the decision against respected Emanuel Augustus in March of last year. His last kayo win was five years ago, whereas Junior’s consecutive round 2 demolitions of Krzysztof Bienias and Salvatore Battaglia are still sweetly fresh in memory.

Morua doesn’t have anything like Barrera’s speed or adaptability, which is why his record has perhaps a hint of the journeyman about it at 24-7-1. It is also the reason why he won’t beat Junior, no matter how he piles on the pressure – Junior is the trickiest, most brain-scramblingest switch-hitter around. Witter will be too fast and too weird for the Latin powerhouse.

Morua may not be a household name, but he’s ranked in the top fifteen by both the WBC and WBO. Witter’s team are no fools – they’ve done their homework, and sparring partners Tyan Booth and Lee Noble have done their part to prepare for the big night.

Morua is four years younger than Witter at 28, but this shouldn’t be a factor. Junior didn’t make it to the world scene as quickly as he deserved, and his entire style is based on counterpunching, so the reflexes have to stay razor-sharp. However, the Ingle gym doesn’t burn people out and Junior looked as fresh as a daisy lifting that belt at the Alexandra Palace last September. This month’s defence will be broadcast live from the same venue. But don’t get too comfortable there, Junior – we want to see you somewhere like the MGM Grand before too long.

I’ll make a prediction on a clear points win for Junior – or possibly a technical knockout given Morua’s tendency to cut. And if Ricky gets through his own battle, the twin exposure could make bringing them together a possibility.