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

The 31-year-old has been installed in the top three of all the major governing bodies' world rankings.

The British, European and Commonwealth champion is rated third by the IBF, although there is no-one above him.

"I am the obvious choice to become Ricky's first mandatory contender, whether directly or through a final eliminator," said Witter.

Sooner or later one of the champions is going to have to defend against me Junior Witter

"Obviously that would be a dream come true for me. It is a fight I have wanted for years.

"Once Ricky had become IBF champion I thought the chances of it ever coming off had passed completely - why would he risk his position by facing me?

"But the job my promotional team [Hennessy Sports] have done has made it a distinct possibility again. Ricky will have to fight me if I'm his mandatory."

Witter, who recently defended his European crown against Ukraine's Andreas Kotelnik, is ranked number two by the WBC.

However, Gianluca Branco, the WBC number one, is said to be lined-up to face WBO champion Miguel Cotto.

This would leave the way clear for Witter to challenge WBC champion Floyd Mayweather.

Witter talks a good fight and hopefully we'll find out very soon whether he can do it in the ring From James Have your say on Five Live

"I would not be fazed at taking on Mayweather, despite that fact that most people regard him as the best in the sport," said Witter.

"I know that when I land flush I can take out any 140lb fighter, including the 'Pretty Boy'."

In addition, Witter now occupies the number three spot with both the WBA [whose champion is Carlos Maussa] and the WBO.

"Sooner or later one of the champions is going to have to defend against me," the Brendan Ingle-trained switch-hitter added.