Arthur ensures he won't lag behind rival Guzman

Published on Thursday 17 April 2008 10:50

ALEX ARTHUR has returned early from his Las Vegas training camp to avoid jet lag ahead of his WBO super-featherweight title clash with Joan Guzman on May 3.

Arthur had intended to remain in Nevada until April 21 but his father, Alex senior, said: "Alex returned because, on reflection, he felt that the original date of his return from Vegas, April 21, was just too close to the fight date for him to fully recover from jet lag.

"Alex normally suffers from acute jet leg and he simply doesn't want to take any chances with this Guzman fight by entering the ring in anything less than the best condition of his career."

Meanwhile, Capital middleweight Craig McEwan, now based in Los Angeles, will make his UK professional debut on the undercard of Ricky Hatton's comeback fight against Mexico's Juan Lazcano on May 24 in Manchester.

McEwan was poised to fight on the undercard of his promoter Oscar De La Hoya's next fight on May 3 but, a spokesman from the McEwan camp, confirmed: "Craig's management team in LA want to launch Craig in the United Kingdom so that he can have a transatlantic profile."

Gilmerton pro Gary McMillan has been given a huge incentive to do well when appearing on the undercard of the Arthur/Guzman fight. Should the welterweight come through his fight unscathed, against an as yet unnamed opponent, he'll be lined up to spar with Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao, the current WBC super-featherweight champion.

Lochend coach Terry McCormack revealed: "I have arranged for Gary, as a southpaw, to spar in Los Angeles with Pacquiao at Freddie Roach's Wildcard gym as he is seeking a tricky fighter.

"So Gary and I will fly out on May 20 to fulfil that date.

"But Gary faces his fight on the Arthur bill then another on his manager Alex Morrison's bill in Glasgow on May 18.

"Not only has he got to win on both occasions, but he must ensure that he doesn't suffer any injuries that could prevent him from sparring with Pacquiao."