Charles “Killa” Whittaker’s chance of becoming champion of the world took a huge step closer after his latest triumph in the ring.

The West Bayer leapt into number two spot in the world rankings after a unanimous points victory in Miami over Cuban Giorbis Barthelemy.

And as he recovers in Florida, Killa says his management team is in discussions to hold the biggest fight of his life on home soil.

The 37-year-old said: “I do not have the words to express how happy I would be if I could fight for the title in Cayman. It would just be a fantastic opportunity and it is possible.

“If the people of Cayman could watch me fight for the title with their own eyes on home soil then it would be fantastic. I would love very much for that to happen.”

A full crowd at the Miami Airport Convention Centre watched Whittaker coolly notch up his 38th career win.

Now his agent, Raul Alverez, is weighing up the options available before Charles gets his title shot.

Corey Spinks is the more likely opponent. He is due to fight next month against Sechew Powell but the deal is yet to be finalised. If that bout doesn’t take place, Whittaker could get his shot as early as March next year.

Mr Alverez said: “There is definitely a chance the fight could take place early next year in Cayman. That is what we are working towards.”

Victory in Miami came after 12 rounds in which Barthelemy fought a defensive strategy, forcing Killa to chase his opponent for much of the early exchanges.

But once he got into his stride, victory was inevitable. Among the crowd to cheer Killa to success was McKeeva Bush – and Charles was quick to thank the Premier for his contributions to his career.

Charles said: “Success and victory always feels good.

“I thought I could have fought better. I had to chase him around the ring and you know, it’s difficult to dance with a lady who doesn’t want to dance.

“But when the bell went to mark the end of the 12 rounds I knew I had it, and I knew I’d done enough.”

Charles added: “There has been much debate over the $100,000 that McKeeva Bush and his administration gave me before my fight last June.

“But if it wasn’t for that money, and the continued support from Mr Bush and his Government then I would not have gotten that fight last June and winning that put me in the rankings and allowed me to compete on Friday.

“So I must thank Mr Bush and when we get the title fight it will be through him and his hard work and I am grateful to God for giving me
this opportunity.”

At 37, many thought this would be a last chance for Charles but that’s not how the junior middleweight saw things.

“Age is just a number to me,” he added. “Ten years ago, I was told I needed to win or give up and get myself a job. That was inspiration to me and I thought about that when I went into the ring on Friday.

“As long as you look after yourself and live life right then it doesn’t matter how old you are. I feel in better shape than some guys in there twenties.

“I would like to thank Norman Wilson. He has been like a father to me since the first fight he trained me for. With him, John Jackson and my agent Raul, they have helped me get to where I am today.”