Delighted Arthur wins right to host world title fight in Scotland

Published on Thursday 31 January 2008 21:14

FRANK Warren yesterday fulfilled his pledge to bring Alex Arthur's challenge for the WBO super-featherweight title to Scotland when he won the purse bids for the Edinburgh boxer's contest against undefeated champion Joan Guzman.

A submission of $280,000, around 140,000, proved enough for Warren's Sports Network company to win the promotional rights for the fight when the WBO opened the bids at their Puerto Rico offices.

A provisional date of 26 April has been set for the fight, although Warren has yet to decide whether to stage it in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Arthur, who has lost just one of his 27 professional contests (against Michael Gomez), became the WBO's interim champion last summer to secure his mandatory challenge to Guzman for the full title.

The 31-year-old champion from the Dominican Republic, who has an unblemished professional record of 28 straight victories, now has ten days to sign a contract to go through with the defence against Arthur. If he fails to do so, he will relinquish the title to the Scot without stepping inside a ring.

Guzman has been persistently linked with more lucrative fights in the United States against fellow super-featherweight luminaries such as Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Warren, however, is relishing the prospect of staging what he believes will be one of boxing's most significant fights of 2008.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have secured home advantage for Alex," said Warren. "It is a tough fight and massive in world boxing terms."

"Alex is in for a tough night, but I'm sure his class and heart will see him win. This is a super fight for boxing and one Alex has always wanted. Guzman is one of the world's elite fighters."

The purse for the fight will be split equally between Guzman and Arthur who will also collect a share of broadcasting income. Setanta Sports are likely to televise the contest in the UK.