Sheffield's WBC world champion light-welterweight is 34, some 10 years older than his opponent, American Timothy Bradley.

But the stylish South Yorkshire boxer says he will enter the ring at Nottingham Arena tonight with as much spring in his step as any young prospect in the sport today.

He's also mentally 100 per cent ready - and prepared for anything, he says.

"It's a funny game because you are constantly learning - and constantly forgetting - little things," he says.

"Because everybody in the gym is young, they have that youth energy - that ignorance, innocence and drive. It pushes me and keeps me fit. It works for me."

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So much so that Witter has not found it necessary to spar with anybody from outside the Ingle gym in readiness for the unbeaten Californian.

"Nadeem Siddique and Leonard Lothian have a similar style to what I used to," he said. "I am picking stuff off them I used to do and incorporating it into what I know.

"These kids know me and put the pressure on in a way a normal sparring partner wouldn't."

Witter says he retains a hunger and excitement for a professional sport which saw him make his debut at Swadlincote, Derbyshire, in January 1997.

"I like being in the gym, sparring ... the art, the science of it," he said.

"It's not just about putting on two gloves and throwing punches; it's moving, slipping, making people miss, countering them.

"I like the psychology behind the game.

"I also like the big shots and taking people out!"

Witter says an operation on his knee, shortly after beating Vivian Harris in Doncaster last September, is not causing any problems.

"They trimmed my ligaments; it put me out for a little bit. I couldn't walk for a couple of days, but now I'm fine," he said.

"I still see the physiotherapist. It is working okay.

"The power is still there. I am twisting and turning on it, so I am confident.

"Once in the ring, I forget all about it."

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