Witter gets Alexander date

Sky Sports23rd June, 2009

Junior Witter will try to reclaim the vacant WBC light-welterweight championship when he faces Devon Alexander on August 1.

Witter is looking to rebuild his career after losing the same belt to Timothy Bradley last year.

Bradley, who faces Nate Campbell on the same card in California, is currently the WBO's 140-pound champion and relinquished his WBC version of the title in May.

Alexander, from St Louis, expects to claim the belt but admits Witter is a tough opponent.

"I am so thrilled to be fighting for a world title and against Witter, a fighter I respect," he said.

"He's already had the title we're fighting for, and I feel like it's my turn now. I'm not stopping my undefeated run for anyone.

"I'll never have a chance at the biggest fights in the world against Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao unless I win this."

Opportunity

Alexander has won all 18 of his professional fights, 11 by knockout, and trainer Kevin Cunningham feels he is ready for the step up to the world stage.

"This is a terrific opportunity for Devon," Cunningham said.

"He's been preparing for this moment since he was eight years old when I heard him say he wanted to fight for the 'green belt' of the WBC.

"Now he's the mandatory challenger. We look forward to bringing home another world championship to the American Gateway City of St. Louis."

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