Junior Witter's up for a quick test

Junior Witter must tonight make the transformation from marathon boxing to firing punches at a sprint if he is to win the latest welterweight edition of Barry Hearn's Prizefighter series at York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Six of Witter's last 10 bouts have gone the full distance of 10 or 12 rounds. But the Prizefighter format demands the victor must progress through three three-round contests before being able to bank a first prize cheque worth £32,000.

The challenge intrigues Britain's former WBC light-welterweight title holder, who said: "I can remember back in the amateurs fighting two fights in one night. It's hard work and it's pressure, but I enjoy that. Prizefighter tests you."

The draw for the eight-man entry means Yorkshireman Witter could meet Colin Lynes in the final.

Lynes, a former printer with the Evening Standard, lost a decision to Witter just over five years ago when the British, Commonwealth and European light-welterweight belts were on the line.

Witter said: "Colin's a good fighter but I've got no worries about him."