Arthur set to face Cook

Published on Monday 7 July 2008 13:27

EDINBURGH'S WBO super-featherweight boxing champion Alex Arthur will defend his crown against Dagenham's former British, European and Commonwealth featherweight champion, Nicky Cook on September 6 at Manchester's MEN Arena.

And a win over the Essex man could set up a bout with Bolton's Amir Khan. Confirming both Arthur's defence against Cook and – if victorious – the dream Scotland v. England, Arthur v. Khan scrap.

Frank Warren spokesman, Richard Maynard, commented: "We tried very hard to get American-based ring legend Marco Antonio Barrera for Alex as a first title defence but that fell through so Alex will now fight Nicky Cook.

Cook is a former world-rated British featherweight champion, who was previously stopped in his last attempt at a version of the world featherweight title inside the distance.

"But we know that Nicky is a quality fighter who can test Alex Arthur.

"Frank Warren has also told Alex that, if he sees off the challenge of Nicky Cook successfully, then Arthur could face Bolton's Commonwealth lightweight champion Amir Khan, in a WBO title defence in what would be a great England v. Scotland fight that the fans would love."

"But first Arthur must meet and beat Nicky Cook on September 6 in Manchester for that to become a reality."

There is also firm evidence that challenger Cook has a fair dig, having stopped around 50 per cent of his first 25 opponents inside the distance.

Meanwhile, Arthur himself responded: "Now I know who I'll be defending against I can plan my training regime accordingly.

"I will take nothing for granted against Cook – who has been there and done it title-wise – although I look forward to retaining my WBO title against him."

"In this connection, I'm planning to go to Cyprus for ten days to work out with my conditioning coach, John Watson, to ensure that I'm absolutely sharp for Cook in September.

"I also plan to have Irish former world super-bantamweight champion Wayne McCullough in my corner, as before, against Nicky Cook."

Capital ace Arthur was also confident about the outcome of any future ring clash between himself and Khan, saying: "I'm a proven puncher. Glasgow's Willie Limond decked Khan and he has nothing like my punch power so, while I have great respect for Amir, I would fancy my chances in what would be a great fight while it lasted.

"But first I must overcome Nicky Cook."