Boxing: Alex is all Wright

Published on Friday 4 December 2009 09:47

ALEX ARTHUR says he intends to make a "statement" about his legitimacy as a world lightweight title contender when he takes on Nigel Wright tomorrow evening.

The pair face each other in a light-welterweight clash at Newcastle's Metro Arena on the undercard of the Amir Khan versus Dmitriy Salita world title fight. And Arthur said: "Nigel and his manager Gus Robinson are old mates of mine as we've shared pre-fight dressing rooms on several occasions – but once the bell goes it will be strictly business.

"He is a fast, tricky, boxer with a big heart but once I slow him down with left hook body shots, he won't be so elusive. By fighting ten pounds above my normal weight I'm free from the previous psychological torture of weight reduction, which undermined my performances at super-featherweight against Steve Foster and Nicky Cook and I'm going to be really strong.

"I also aim to make a statement about my fitness to be considered a legitimate contender for a world lightweight title fight sometime in 2010.

"The last time that I fought really well against a dangerous opponent was in Cardiff in 2007 when I stopped Koba Gogoladze to win the WBO Interim super-featherweight title.

"That's the kind of performance I aim to reproduce against Wright because I realise how crucial the outcome of this fight is."

Former WBA featherweight champion Barry McGuigan reckons Arthur is showing real bravery in stepping up two divisions to fight Wright – but he still predicts an Arthur victory.

McGuigan said: "The fact that Arthur has jumped two divisions to fight a light-welterweight shows just how much self-belief he has.

"Wright is no mug and gave my fellow Irishman Paul McCloskey all kinds of problems and some thought Wright had beaten him. So, while it won't be an easy fight, I think that the fact Arthur is a proven heavy puncher while Wright lacks a destructive dig, is a major factor tipping my vote towards an Arthur victory."

Arthur's coach Terry McCormack said: "Alex has looked in brilliant form while sparring with our top amateur lightweight Josh Taylor. But he knows how important not just a win but an impressive win is and I'm confident that's what he will deliver."

Englishman Wright added: "Alex and I are old mates outside the ring but this fight is an opportunity that I have to grab."

Wright's manager Gus Robinson added: "Nigel knows that a win over Arthur could open the door to all kind of title fight possibilities. I think it could be a long, hard eight rounds but Nigel will be looking to repeat his stoppage win over another Scottish ex-champion – Paisley's Kevin McIntyre – who he beat in a British title eliminator."