Arthur fight postponed after Guzman is denied UK visa

Published on Thursday 24 April 2008 22:08

ALEX Arthur's scheduled challenge for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super-featherweight title on 3 May was postponed last night after champion Joan Guzman was unable to obtain a visa to enter the United Kingdom.

Following a day of conflicting reports, including one on host broadcaster Setanta's own website claiming that Arthur had pulled out of the fight because of injury, promoter Frank Warren insisted the contest was being called off because of Guzman's travel difficulties.

The 32-year-old champion from the Dominican Republic, who is based in the United States, was due to fly to London on Wednesday this week in advance of his title defence against Arthur at the Meadowbank Sports Centre a week tomorrow.

Warren said last night: "We are hopeful of announcing a new date for the fight very shortly, as soon as we hear from Guzman's promoters, Sycuan Boxing, that he has received his visa.

"It is a big disappointment, but Alex is a thorough professional and will have to take this in his stride."

A report claiming that Arthur had immediately been declared champion by the WBO because of Guzman's failure to travel was angrily dismissed by Warren, and the Edinburgh boxer is now hoping to put the extra preparation time for the fight to the best possible use.

"After all the training I had put in, including going to America for two weeks, I was initially angry when I was told that he couldn't get here on time," said Arthur.

"But once I calmed down and looked at the situation again I realised that I can use this to my advantage because I now have some valuable extra time to prepare.

"Guzman is a great fighter and I know 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."