Alex Arthur delighted after being named world champion

Published on Thursday 15 May 2008 14:29

CAPITAL boxing ace Alex Arthur today spoke of his pride at becoming Edinburgh's first world champion for 30 years.

Arthur is the new WBO super-featherweight champion after defending champion Joan Guzman decided to relinquish his title rather than travel to Edinburgh to fight Arthur.

Guzman will move up in weight, leaving Arthur, who was already WBO interim champion, to inherit his crown.

Arthur said: "I'm delighted with the decision by the WBO to give me full world champion status but I felt that I won the title when I beat Koba Gogoladze last July.

"I'm confident I would have beaten Guzman had the fight been rescheduled but I believe that I'm among the elite super-featherweights and want to prove myself as the best out there.

"But I'm proud to be Edinburgh's first world champion for 30 years, and am looking forward to making the first defence of my title."

Arthur had been scheduled to fight Guzman on May 3 at Meadowbank but the bout was postponed when Guzman failed to secure a visa in time. A new date had been anticipated before Guzman's decision to let the title go.

Promoter Frank Warren revealed the search is under way to find a replacement opponent for what will now be 29-year-old Arthur's first defence this summer.

The Sports Network chief said: "Britain has lost a few of its world champions over the last few months but we have got one back with Alex now declared as world champion.

"I believe he will be a long-term world champion.

"I'm working hard at the moment to deliver a new date and challenger for Alex."

On Guzman's website, his manager Jose Nunez claimed the Dominican had been annoyed by the postponement of the fight. Nunez said he would explain the reasons for Guzman's decision and state his future plans later.