Junior Witter will dedicate his world title win to his former amateur mentor if he beats DeMarcus Corley to grab the WBC light-welterweight title at London's Alexandra Palace on Friday night.

The Bradford 32-year-old admits he owes a huge debt of gratitude to Alec Allan, the coach who persuaded him to put on the gloves for the first time and turn his back on a life of crime.

Witter said: "Alec took me off the streets at time when I knew if I had carried on for much longer I would have got in a whole lot of trouble.

“It will not be easy against Corley but that is how I want it. People are quick to criticise me so the only way to shut them up is to go out and do a job on one of the best."

An astute and sharp-punching fighter, American Corley claimed the WBO title at six days' notice in 2001 with a first-round knockout of opponent Felix Flores.

After losing it by split decision to former Witter foe Zab Judah, Corley staged an unsuccessful bid to win it back in February last year, when he was stopped in the fifth round by Miguel Cotto.

Witter on points at a best priced 7-4 looks the safest option.