Arthur cut up over loss

Published on Sunday 6 December 2009 00:31

FORMER world champion Alex Arthur's debut at light-welterweight ended in bitter disappointment at the Metro Arena. The ex-WBO super-featherweight title-holder was out-pointed 78-76 by Nigel Wright in an eight-round contest.

It was only 31-year-old Arthur's second bout in 16 months since relinquishing his world crown to Nicky Cook in Manchester and his rustiness showed against a natural light-welterweight. Perhaps referee Victor Loughlin, of Paisley, was slightly over-generous to the Englishman, but, in truth, the 30-year-old probably deserved the decision.

Arthur was hampered by a nasty gash to the side of his left eye after he was caught by a head-butt in the sixth although he did not make an issue of it. Indeed, the Edinburgh man was brutally honest in his assessment of his performance and believes it might have been a mistake to jump two weight divisions.

Arthur was not helped by the fact that his first contest at lightweight, six months ago, lasted just 94 seconds. "I can't believe how sluggish I felt," said Arthur. "I have had plenty of sparring but not enough ring practice and that can take its toll. The head butt was just one of these things that happen.

"Usually I perform well against southpaws and I thought I would feel comfortable at the weight and decided to take a chance, but that did not turn out to be the case. In the past I have had an advantage because of my height, but not this time. But it was a close technical contest and I will not rush into a decision regarding my future. I will see how I feel once the dust has settled."

The surprise loss was the third of Arthur's 30-fight career following previous defeats by Cook and Michael Gomez. Ultimately, it may turn out to be the most significant.