Witter (left) has been gunning for Hatton for years

"There is a window of opportunity, but if we are not careful we are going to miss it. If we're going to meet, it has to be this summer," said Witter, 32.

"Nothing else makes sense for Hatton apart from this, unless he is scared.

"I am a British fighter holding the WBC belt. The most prestigious belt. A belt he has never won."

Bradford boxer Witter has been chasing the showdown for years, but Hatton is set to fight Jose Luis Castillo next.

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And Witter is adamant that this is the wrong move.

"If they go for Castillo first, what's the point? He's a blown up lightweight who hasn't properly established himself at 10 stone. Castillo isn't even ranked by the IBF," Witter said.

"If anyone thinks Hatton v Witter can wait until 2008 they are badly mistaken.

"Someone will have caught up with Hatton by then. If he wants the biggest fight of his career, he has to step up now.

"Apparently, Hatton would like to give me a beating, but he is worried about giving me a pay-day. Well here is the solution: winner takes all.