Junior Witter will launch a final crack at the boxing big time when he steps up to welterweight next month.

Bradford’s former world champion faces Romanian-born Victor Lupo in Mississauga in Canada on February 19.

It will be Witter’s first fight since August 2009 – and his debut at the heavier weight after a 13-year career in the 140lb division.

Witter admitted he had no choice if he wanted to remain in the ring.

He said: “It got to the point where just making the weight took it all out of me. Imagine getting into the ring with guys like Timothy Bradley and Devon Alexander and have nothing left?

“Now, instead of battling weight during camp, then dragging myself into the ring, I’m strong, refreshed and able to concentrate more on domination – and less on starvation.”

Lupo has won 18 of his 21 bouts, with nine knock-outs, and is targeting a big-name victory to launch him on to the world stage.

Adam Harris, of promoters Hennessy Sports Canada, feels the stakes could not be higher for either boxer.

“This is a classic crossroads-type of match-up,” he said. “One guy needs this to reclaim his place, while the other needs it to live the dream.

“Junior is looking to right the ship and show he still belongs at an elite world level.”

Witter won the coveted WBC light-welterweight crown against DeMarcus Corley in September 2006 but he was deposed less than a year later by Bradley.

Lupo has plenty of respect for his opponent.

“You don’t become a world champion by accident,” said his trainer Chris Johnson.

“You get to the top by being the best so clearly Witter is a heck of a fighter.”