Junior Witter accused his biggest rivals of running scared after cruising to victory in Manchester.

The Bradford light-welterweight eased to the WBU intercontinental belt with a two-round win over outclassed South African Colin Mayisela at the MEN Arena.

Ricky Hatton and Eamonn Magee both won on the same bill - and Witter used the chance to fire off a broadside at the division's other domestic big two.

He also challenged Zab Judah, the American who outpointed him for world glory in Scotland last year.

Witter said: "I think they are running away. I'll box Hatton and Magee if necessary but until that time I'm going to take the British title next and then see what's open after that like the European or Commonwealth.

"I'd get in with Zab again and beat him but he's already said he doesn't want to box me. I'd fight him at the drop of a hat.

"That's what I did last time at nine days' notice and that's nowhere near enough for a world title fight. But I got through it and I'd face him again."

Witter was all over Mayisela from the first bell and his opponent clearly had no answers to his awkward style. By the end of the first, Mayisela was hanging on having thrown only four punches - compared to 36 from Witter.

"The Hitter" swiftly finished it off in the second with another razor-sharp combination, flooring the South African with a left upper cut followed by a precise right cross.

It was Witter's sixth stoppage win since his battle with Judah as he warmed up for a shot at the British crown before Christmas.

Witter dismissed suggestions that Mayisela was not a credible opponent. "Whoever they put in with me, I'm going to make them look bad and beat them up."