Junior Witter wants to win a world title the hard way.

Witter's confirmation as mandatory challenger for the WBC light-welterweight belt last week means that his next fight will be for the big one. But will it be against champion Floyd Mayweather?

The American showman is still considering his next move after a possible welter-weight showdown with Zab Judah blew up following his rival's shock loss to Carlos Baldomir.

If Mayweather did vacate, Witter would be lined up against a co-challenger for the title. Colombia's Juan Urango, the most likely choice, would seem a far easier proposition than the 'Pretty Boy'.

But ideally, the Bradford fighter would love to pit his skills against the number one - and remove any doubts once he lifted the crown.

"I've given up predicting what fighters are going to do but I hope Mayweather sticks around," said Witter.

"Even though he is the toughest fight out there, I want him and genuinely believe I can beat him.

"I think he is a brilliant fighter and has grown into the light-welterweight division much better than I thought he would do.

"But his chin still hasn't been tested by a proper puncher at the weight like me. I have been a light-welterweight since I was 16.

"I am stronger than anybody else he

has ever fought. I would build on that by getting myself into fantastic condition. This is the fight I need to motivate myself.

"If it happens I am going to go into a training camp in America. My focus will be unbelievable.

"It would be a very skilful, technical fight. He is a great thinking fighter but I know that I will catch him, then I wouldn't let him get off the hook. I would jump on him."

Witter's route to the top has been littered with obstacles but the final one was removed when Gianluca Branco backed out of a final eliminator to opt for a crack at WBO champion Miguel Cotto.

Witter added: "Fighting for the WBC title will mean the world to me. It's the belt everyone wants - it's the dream.

"That's why I have patiently gone about earning my shot and remained very loyal to the WBC, despite being presented with other opportunities.

"Thanks to my promoter Mick Hennessy, they have recognised this. This is a result of Mick fighting my corner at their convention in Spain last year. He told them Branco would go missing and he did.

"I'm glad he is finally out of the picture in this division because he has pulled out of fights before.

"I don't mind who I have to fight if Mayweather does go elsewhere, as long as it's soon."