Fringe act Chippendales muscle in on boxer Arthur's training schedule

Published on Monday 17 August 2009 09:43

CHAMPION boxer Alex Arthur is used to being his street's muscle man – but he's got a bit of competition now that the Chippendales have moved in next door.

Three of the tanned, toned and buffed show lads, currently performing at the Fringe Festival, have been borrowing cups of sugar – or should that be protein shake – since moving into a house in Alex's street in Newington.

And, as unlikely as it may seem, Alex and the trio have become firm friends, training at the gym together, making healthy chicken and vegetable meals and even having the odd sparring session.

Chippendale Chris Cabral, 29, said: "We don't reckon we could beat him in a fight.

"Alex is a really nice guy. He's been helping us train and made a nutrition plan for us."

Alex, who is currently training for the Lightweight Boxing Championship, said he wasn't sure what to expect when the exotic dancers moved into his block.

He said: "You do imagine baby oil and sequins, but once we got talking, I picked their brains about their schedules and you realise how hard they work, maintaining their bodies and doing the nightly show. I take my hat off to them."

There are five Las Vegas lads living in the house, including Chris and two other Chippendales, John Anthony, 29, and Kris Davison, 31, plus dance co-ordinator Mark Guerrero and the show's singer, Scott Jordan.

The five other dancers in the troupe are staying elsewhere in Edinburgh.

John said it was their first trip to the Capital, and so far the crowds have not let them down.

He said: "The girls are very loud and there's a lot of screaming.

"The festival-goers have good energy and we're getting the odd pair of pants and bras thrown our way.

"We've had more men than usual at the Edinburgh show, everybody is up for a laugh."

Their show, The Ultimate Girls Night Out, plays nightly at the Gilded Balloon.

The most important question of all: do they have girlfriends?

Edinburgh ladies will be pleased to learn that only a couple of them have partners and the rest are single. But they are getting a lot of attention from the Festival visitors.

Chris said: "We weren't recognised so much at first but now more and more women are saying hello. "It's the best job a man could have. When we're not working we plan to climb Arthur's Seat and visit the Castle."