Scotland’s number one boxer Alex Arthur will make the first defence of his Interim WBO World Super- Featherweight title on Saturday 15th December at Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Stadium. The 29-year-old put in a fantastic performance to defeat Koba Gogoladze in July, stopping him in the 10th round in Cardiff, to win the title..
The news marks a good week for Arthur, who has scooped the prestigious Scottish Sports Personality of the Year award, sponsored by the Sunday Mail.
Arthur fought off stiff competition – which included tennis brothers Andy and Jamie Murray, snooker star John Higgins and Scotland’s leading footballers – at a five-star bash at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel to land the accolade.
“I was stunned when my name was called out,” said Arthur. “It was a tremendous honour but I never thought I would win it.
“It’s recognition of not only your achievements in your given sport, but also what you do outside of the ring, so I’m very proud to have been chosen. Also, I don’t think a boxer has ever won it before.”
No opponent has yet been confirmed for Arthur’s fight, although it won’t be Joan Guzman, who holds the full WBO World Super-Featherweight title.
Guzman has limited time left before he has to face Arthur, and still has not indicated whether he will instead chose to vacate. If he does, Arthur will become the full WBO champion.
“I’d love to fight Guzman,” said Arthur, despite the Dominican’s status as one of the best super-featherweights in the world.
“He’s part of the elite group of may be four or five super-featherweights, and I plan to gatecrash their party,” said Arthur.
“I’ve had a long apprenticeship and now it’s time for me to get some big fights. I want to fight three or four times in 2008 and establish myself as the best super-featherweight in the world.
“I had some bad cuts against Gogoladze, but I will be able to start sparring soon, and I’m already training for my fight in December.
“I’ve not fought in Edinburgh for 18 months, so I’m sure the fans will come out in force and give me plenty of support.”
Arthur’s promoter Frank Warren said, “I’m delighted to return to Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Stadium with Alex headlining in his triumphant homecoming fight. Alex is one of the leading super- featherweight fighters in the world and I’m sure over the next year he will prove himself to be the best and secure his place in history as one of the best ever to come out of Scotland.”
Also on the card will be Ricky Burns, who features in a 10-rounder, former Commonwealth lightweight champion Willie Limond, who returns following defeat against Amir Khan, Edinburgh favourite Gary Young and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kenny Anderson.
Tickets, priced £30, £50, £75 & £100, are available from the Meadowbank Stadium 0131 661 5351, See Tickets: 0870 060 3794, Sports Network: 01992 550 888.