Witter lost his last world-title shot against Zab Judah in 2000

The British, Commonwealth and European holder became number one contender, following the exclusion of Gianluca Branco, who is fighting Miguel Cotto.

And promoter Mick Hennessy is anxious to make a Mayweather clash happen.

"This is great news for Junior - our priority now is to get him installed as the WBC mandatory challenger as soon as is possible, he said.

Junior would be a different proposition for Mayweather - he wouldn't be a stationary target and punches harder than Gatti Mick Hennessy Junior Witter's promoter

"Given past events with Branco, I strongly believe Junior deserves this position.

"He has earned the right to face Mayweather, a marquee champion, and it would be a great fight for the 140lb division.

Hennessy believes his charge would acquit himself better than Mayweather's last opponent Arturo Gatti, from whom he took the world title.

"Junior would be a completely different proposition. He wouldn't be a stationary target; he's got fantastic movement and punches harder than Gatti."

Witter has everything to gain and nothing to lose From Marvin Have your say on Five Live

But there is also the growing possibility that Witter will take on former champion Gatti for the title, should Mayweather move out of the division to face Winky Wright or Zab Judah.

"Gatti's a proven warrior but I'm convinced that Junior would bring way too much to the table for him," said Hennessy.