HIS Twitter account boasts a picture of the heraldic shield for the “Ancient Arms of Witter”.

But at the age of 41, it’s the real thing that will be looking to punch Junior Witter back into the welterweight spotlight.

Bradford’s former WBC world champion faces Ahmet El Mousaoui on the Cote d’Azur next month for the Frenchman’s European Union title.

The millionaire’s playground on the Mediterranean may be where many choose to retire but Witter has no intention of winding down for a while yet.

“The hunger is still there for me,” he said. “Some of the younger ones I’m sparring with might not remember when I was in the big fights but they’ve noticed a massive switch in the way I’m training.

“I’ve got that focus. I’m the former world champion and I’m back on it.”

It is two and a half years since he gave up the Lonsdale belt in a one-sided clash with Frankie Gavin – a defeat that many thought would spell the end to an illustrious career.

But Witter, who has eased through his last two outings, is focused on re-establishing his reputation by upping his profile as a two-weight champion.

Victory over El Mousaoui, who is 17 years his junior, in Le Cannet on April 17 would earn him the belt he first won as a light-welter in 2003 when he was being teed up for a shot at Ricky Hatton.

More importantly, it would push him back up the rankings for a crack at something meatier.

Witter added: “A win gets me back in the rankings and sets me up for another title fight, whether it’s for the European, intercontinental, Commonwealth or rematch for the British.

“I’ve only seen one video (of El Mousaoui) but I’m not worried about any hometown decision. I’m not planning on it going that far.

“I really and truly want to go out there and throw some bombs. When he falls, I’ll be happy.

“I want to make sure he remembers my name and why they should still fear me.”

Ironically, a 44th pro win would push Witter’s claims to challenge European champion Gianluca Branco – who consistently ducked him in the ten-stone division a decade ago.

The Italian, who gave up the light-welter belt instead of facing Witter, is three years older.

“Combine our ages and it would be the oldest European title fight in history!” laughed Witter, who has just returned from an Ingle training camp in Fuerteventura with the likes of Kell Brook.

“It is ten years since he first tried to avoid me – a lot of boxers don’t have careers that last that long. But it’s one I’m definitely interested in.

“I know what I did wrong when I lost the British. Since then I’ve been working on getting myself absolutely spot on.

“I’ve got a new dietician and the sparring has gone very well. I’m looking at this fight as a springboard to get back to where I want to be – and that’s in serious contention again.”