Nottingham, England -- (Sports Network) - Timothy Bradley won a 12-round split decision over Junior Witter to win the WBC light welterweight title and remain undefeated.

Witter was making his third title defense, but Bradley (22-0) knocked down his opponent in the sixth round and went on to win 114-113, 115-113, 112-115. The only judge favoring Witter was Franco Ciminale. It was the first pro fight for Bradley, a 24-year-old American from California, since a unanimous decision over Miguel Vazquez in July 2007.

Witter (36-2-2) made his first defense since beating Vivian Harris in September of last year, which he won in knockout fashion. His other defense, over Arturo Morua, came via TKO, but the 34-year-old Briton wasn't successful against Bradley's vicious right hand.

Witter's last loss was to Zab Judah in June 2000.