Junior Witter

:- From the Sheffield Star

JUNIOR WITTER is back in the ring after a three-month lay-off following cruciate ligament surgery.
At 36, Sheffield's former world light welterweight champion's career hung in the balance after he tore the ligament on a run.

But after a successful operation and 12 weeks rest, he is back sparring with the likes of English welterweight Adnan Amar at the Ingle gym in Wincobank. Trainer Dominic Ingle said: "It must have felt like Junior's body had been falling apart over the past few years with a broken hand, surgery on both elbows and then the cruciate going. He is a good liver though and has never taken any hammer. Like Bernard Hopkins, who is 45, he has the ability, drive and determination to keep going.

"For 12 weeks he was swimming, exercising and getting physio. Now he's had his first sparring sessions. Junior might be ready for a contest in July, but more likely when the new season starts in September" said Ingle.

Victor Puiu, a Canadian-based Romanian (won 18 (KO 9) lost 1 + drawn 2 record) is one possible opponent, while others think Mexican Alfonso Gomez might be lined up by the WBC match-makes.

"Puiu is 31, wants to step up a level, and fancies a shot at Junior, because he is a bit of a name" says Ingle.

The gym's legendary mentor Brendan Ingle is in no doubt Witter can return.

"Before his last fight (to Devon Alexander) his timing was out on the pads; I don't know whether it was injuries or whether his mind wasn't fully on the job" said Brendan. "But Junior doesn't smoke, drink or gamble- I can see him back to a good level. Johnny Nelson was 34 when he won the world title, age doesn't have to be an issue."