Sheffield and Doncaster-based Junior Witter was outworked by American Timothy Bradley at Nottingham Arena tonight, going down out on a points decision.

Witter had been knocked to the canvas by an over-hand right in the sixth ring - a defensive mistake Witter later admitted was "sloppy."

Yet the conquered WBC light welter said: "I am gutted, I thought I had done enough to win."

Instead, he lost by a split decision, one that most neutral observers wouldn't argue with.

The loss came on top of Sheffield's Clinton Woods' IBF disaster in Tampa, America weeks ago.

Having despatched American-based Arturo Morua and Vivian Harris, after claiming the title from DeMarcus Corley back in 2006, Witter had

been hoping to carve himself a more credible name in the United States.

Witter came out fighting southpaw style but switched throughout. Sadly it was more style than substance, the American boxing quicker and

landing the stronger punches.

This was Witter's third defence of the coveted green belt.

But his hold on it was effectively ended in the sixth round when Bradley floored him.

Witter looked confused after the knock down. He couldn't impose himself on his opponent. And when he threatened to make a comeback,

Bradley had a game-plan to deal with it.

Three times promoter Mick Hennessy leaped to his feet to scream advice, but it was to no avail.

Witter had either underestimated or not prepared a strategy to deal with the younnger, stronger man.

Witter, at 34, is a decade older than Bradley. But he says he will not retire. "I wil be back - and as world champion" he said.

Watched on ITV by an expected seven million viewers, Witter now has to go back to the drawing board.


LOOK OUT FOR MONDAY'S STAR AND THIS WEBSITE FOR A FULL ASSESSMENT OF WITTER'S BIG NIGHT.