Edinburgh to stage world boxing title fight

Published on Friday 29 February 2008 14:17

EDINBURGH is set to stage a world title boxing match on April 26 when Alex Arthur clashes with Joan Guzman at Meadowbank.

Super-featherweight ace Arthur, who is already the WBO interim champ, will take on Dominican Guzman for the full version of the title.

It will be the first time an Edinburgh native has fought for a world title in the city.

Doubts over the fight taking place were erased on Wednesday when Guzman signed a contract to take on Arthur but the venue had yet to be decided.

A spokesman for Guzman's promoter was full of confidence that his man would win and described the bout as "easy money".

Sean Gibbons said: "Guzman is in another league from Arthur – I just hope that Arthur turns up."

But Arthur hit back, saying: "Now the hard work will begin in earnest in training.

"I'm only one step away from my dream of being a world champion and moving into boxing's top league beside guys like Joe Calzaghe.

"I recognise Guzman as my biggest ring test ever but I guarantee that I will be so motivated that anything less than my very best in the ring won't be an option."