Alex Arthur fight 'to go ahead in June'

Published on Tuesday 29 April 2008 13:36

ALEX ARTHUR'S super-featherweight world title bid looks set to take place in June after champion Joan Guzman finally secured a visa to travel to Edinburgh.

The 29-year-old Scot had been set to challenge the WBO champion on Saturday but the long-awaited fight was postponed when the fighter from the Dominican Republic failed to secure the necessary paperwork in time.

However, promoters Sports Network have confirmed Guzman has now got a visa and the contest is likely to be rescheduled for June with an exact date – which depends on broadcasters Setanta Sports – to be announced "shortly".

Sean Gibbons, of Guzman's promoter Sycuan Ringside Promotions, said: "All we need now is for Frank Warren to give us the new, rescheduled date.

"Guzman cleared up his visa issues and is now ready to go to Scotland to successfully defend his WBO junior lightweight belt."

Arthur became 'interim' champion after beating Koba Gogoladze in July last year while Guzman procrastinated about his future.

Guzman's recent withdrawal was the latest blow in a frustrating period for the Scot, though he claimed the delay would only aid his preparation for the fight at Meadowbank Sports Centre.

"After all the training that I had put in, that included going to America for two weeks, I was angry when I was I told that he couldn't get here on time because of a visa problem," he said.

"Once I calmed down and looked at the situation again I realised that I could use this to my advantage because I now have some valuable extra time to prepare with my team.

"Guzman is a great fighter and I know that I have the beating of him but if I can be ten per cent faster and stronger because of the delay then it will work in my favour."