Arthur's world title challenge set for June after visa wrangle

Published on Wednesday 30 April 2008 00:08

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, writes Phil Barnett.

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."

Arthur has become interim champion since beating Koba Gogoladze in July last year, while Guzman procrastinated about his future.

The Scot claimed the delay would only aid his preparation for the fight at Edinburgh's Meadowbank Sports Centre.

"If I can be 10 per cent faster and stronger because of the delay then it will work in my favour," said Arthur.