Witter-Bradley Presser!

May 7, 2008

Photos: Colin Messom

ShoBox: The New Generation returns to the United Kingdom on Saturday when WBC super lightweight champion Junior Witter (36-1-2, 21 KOs) will defend his crown for the third time when he takes on unbeaten #1 contender Timothy Bradley (21-0, 11 KOs) at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham, England (same day tape delay at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME).

Both fighters met today at a prefight press conference. Here's what thay had to say:

Junior Witter: I'm looking forward to this fight. I have not been on American television in a long time. So for many this will be their first time seeing me. It excites me that Bradley is up for the challenge. I have seen him fight before and I have to give him his props as a solid challenger but I will be victorious.

Timothy Bradley: I'm ready for this fight. I'm a student of the game and know exactly what to expect from Witter. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best. Junior Witter has the WBC title and I have to defeat him to be considered the best. It's going to be on Saturday night and I hope everybody will be watching in America and worldwide.

Promoter Mick Hennessy: I think this is going to be an excellent fight. This is great for boxing. Neither fighter had to take this fight this soon and I commend both of them for doing it. I want to thank team Bradley for being so professional in their entire time being here.

Trainer Brendan Ingle: Look at Witter, Froch, and Bradley. Neither of them have a Mark on their faces. All of these guys are first class fighters that are willing to fight best which is a rarity these days in boxing. Don't blink on Saturday night because you might miss something.

Alex Camponovo (Thompson Boxing): I want to thank Hennessy Sports for being so professional with Team Bradley. I know not many people have seen Bradley fight in England but come Saturday night they will get to see just how good of a fighter he is. I'm looking forward to a great fight.

Lee Bates (Bradley's manager): I want to thank Hennessy Sports and Junior Witter for the opportunity that they are giving to Timothy. He has earned the right and has put in the necessary training to be ready for this fight. I hope everyone will watch the fight as it's going to be a really good fight.

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In an off-TV bout, WBC mandatory super middleweight contender Carl Froch will face late sub Rubin Williams.

Carl Froch: I'm not down and out at all about mulitiple opponents pulling out recently. It actually gives me massive confidence that none of them want to fight me. My trainer Robert McCracken has kept me both mentally and physically focused. I've been causing serious damage in sparring. I don't want anyone to count out a possible fight between me and Joe Calzaghe. The WBC title is a very prestigous title and I think his pride will kick in and a fight between us both will happen.

Hennessy on a possible Calzaghe-Froch fight: Joe Calzaghe is going to have to make a decision real soon on whether he wants to defend against Carl or vacate the title. Carl has the style to beat Joe Calzaghe. I would make a huge money offer to Calzaghe to fight Carl.