Junior Witter's latest victim is backing him to hammer the Hitman.

Bradford's Witter stepped up his chase for Ricky Hatton with a four-round win over Belgium's Jurgen Haeck in Manchester to add the European Union light-welter belt to his growing collection.

And afterwards Haeck whispered in his ear: "I've got no doubts you'll destroy Ricky when you two fight."

Witter, who bagged his 26th win and 15th stoppage, was not at his vintage best and was rocked briefly by the underdog in round two.

Witter admitted: "For me, it was only six out of ten and I know there's a lot more to come.

"I never felt as sharp as I have been and I can step up a lot of gears from that. But on a poor night I've gone out and won a European title, so when I'm on fire what can't I do?"

The countdown is on for a showdown with Hatton, possibly at Maine Road in July, and the home fans made their feelings clear with a hostile reception.

Manager John Ingle said: "I think Junior tried a bit too hard with it being in Manchester and he was trying to impress too much. With people writing the other kid off, you can get an idea it will be a walk in the park although to a certain degree it was.

"Hatton's dad said to me it was a good job it wasn't Ricky in there but that will be different. When you are playing against the Fourth Division sometimes you make it hard for yourself.

"Junior was a little bit complacent but he knew he could blast the kid anytime. Haeck was running around because for him, going over a few rounds was a bonus.

"We're waiting on the big one now. Hatton wants it, so does Frank Warren so we'll see what happens.