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ShoBox: The New Generation returns to the United Kingdom on May 10, 2008, with an outstanding world title showdown and a promising undercard bout featuring two undefeated prospects.
On a special Saturday night edition of the popular, prospect-oriented Showtime boxing series, WBC Super Lightweight Champion Junior Witter will defend his crown for the third time when he takes on WBC No. 1 contender Timothy Bradley at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham, England, same day tape delay at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime.
In a spectacular co-feature pitting two young undefeated British prospects against each other, hard-hitting John Murray will take on the slick John Fewkes in a 10-round lightweight bout. The evening of boxing will be promoted by Hennessy Sports.
In his last outing, Witter, 36-1-2 (21), of Bradford, England, successfully defended his WBC title for the second time by scoring a stunning, seventh-round knockout over Vivian Harris on Sept. 7, 2007. In his initial 2007 outing, Witter defended his world championship for the first time by out-boxing Arturo Morua en route to a ninth- round TKO on Jan. 20.
“I know how to prepare for Bradley,” Witter said. “This isn’t my first title defense. Bradley will be a tough out, but I’m confident that I will be the winner. I have the strength, power and experience to take care of him.”
Bradley, 21-0 (11), of Palm Springs, CA., is no stranger to the bright lights and big stage of national television, as he will make his fourth ShoBox appearance on Showtime. If victorious against Witter, the promising unbeaten will become the 25th ShoBox fighter to win a world title.
Long considered to be one of the super lightweight division’s top prospects, Bradley has won his last two fights by lopsided unanimous decisions.
“This is what boxing is all about,” Bradley said. “You work hard and put in the sweat and long hours in the gym so one day you set yourself up for a title shot. This is what I’ve been waiting for all my life. I can’t see myself losing this fight. I can see myself becoming a world champion on May 10.”
Murray, 23-0 (12), of Manchester, England, is a promising, young boxer with legitimate championship aspirations. The WBC Youth lightweight champion won Britain’s Young Boxer of the Year Award in 2006 and has looked impressive since stepping up his opposition in his last four bouts.
In 2007, the 23-year-old fought on the undercard of two marquee events in Las Vegas for the first time: taking on Lorenzo Bethea on May 5 [Mayweather-De La Hoya undercard]; and on Dec. 7, against Miguel Munguia [Mayweather-Hatton]. Murray thinks the experience of fighting in Las Vegas has prepared him for any challenge.
“It was a great experience to be part of the build up on two fantastic shows,” said Murray, who also sparred with Hatton before his knockout victory over Dean Hickman on Nov. 9, 2007. “I learned a lot, like how the top boxers conduct themselves in and out of the ring.”
“John Fewkes is a slick boxer and he is coming down in weight, so I’m just going to stick to my boxing,” Murray said. “I hope a win over Fewkes will lead to a British title shot. I know that I am ready.”
23 year old Fewkes, 17-0 (2), of Sheffield, England, lacks the knockout power that Murray possesses, but makes up for it with his blazing speed and aggressive body shots. He edged out Murray by just one vote to win the 2007 Britain’s Young Boxer of the Year Award, and now has a chance to step into the ring and prove which young British prospect is more deserving of a title shot.
“This will be a furious fight,” Fewkes said. “He’s one of the best talents in England. I know I’m going in as the underdog because he has more experience. I know what I have to do to win, and I have no doubt that I will.
“I want to be a British champion, a European champion and a world champion,” Fewkes continued. “A win over Murray will put me closer to my goal. I will not accept anything less.”
For more information on Showtime Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on Showtime Championship Boxing and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.
