Boxing: Arthur faces the Body Snatcher

Published on Monday 25 October 2010 17:42

Former WBO super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur has described his next opponent, Jamaican-born Gary Reid, as "a warm-up on the road back to glory.''

Arthur will face the Stoke-based fighter - known as The Body Snatcher - over eight rounds on the undercard of current WBO super-featherweight champion Ricky Burns' title defence against Norwegian Anders Evansen at Braehead Arena on December 4.

Said Arthur: "I regard Reid, who was beaten by Glasgow's Willie Limond on points back in 2001 and also stopped by Coatbridge's Martin Watson inside the distance eight years ago, as a warm-up opponent leading to greater things in 2011.

"I still aim to fight for a world lightweight title next year but Reid will keep me from getting too rusty as all the gym training in the world can't compensate for ring action."

Arthur has also been boosted after his last opponent - Peter McDonagh - beat Curtis Woodhouse last weekend, which makes his performance in outboxing McDonagh all the more impressive.

Arthur added: I'll be looking forward to some significant fights in the new year."