 Witter is on the verge of a second world title shot |
Bradford light welterweight Junior Witter will be presented with a Lonsdale belt for keeps on Sunday despite only defending his crown twice. British champions usually have to defend their title three times before retaining the belt outright.
But the British Boxing Board of Control makes exceptions when suitable challengers cannot be found.
The belt will be awarded at Bradford's Town and Country Club during a promotion by his trainer Brendan Ingle.
General secretary of the Board Simon Block explained: "If a British champion is not called upon to make a defence within three years, the Board can consider awarding the belt outright.
"It is not Junior's fault that the current crop of contenders, talented as they are, do not meet his standard."
Witter is the first boxer since former flyweight world champion Charlie Magri to land the Lonsdale in this fashion.
Witter, who is also the European and Commonwealth champion, said: "It has obviously been frustrating not to be able to defend it in the normal fashion, but it is a privilege to be treated in this manner by the Board."
MMIX
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