It won't be a holiday for Alex in Cyprus

Published on Wednesday 19 March 2008 09:25

ALEX ARTHUR is poised to fly out to a training camp in Cyprus to prepare for his bid to relieve full WBO super-featherweight champion Joan Guzman of his crown at Meadowbank on May 3.

He said: "I am now preparing to fly out to Limassol for three weeks of really tough training at the gym there of a Cypriot boxing mate of mine, Savas Stavapolus, who boxed Scotland's Joe Townsley in the amateurs and who has a fantastic gym.

"Cyprus has the kind of climate that ensures that roadwork isn't a weather lottery as it is in Scotland which is clearly important as, for Guzman, I need to be in the best shape of my life.

"Besides, Savas has told me that altitude training in the Troodos mountains in Cyprus will also help build up my stamina.

"This will be important because Guzman isn't a puncher but a fast moving runner, so boxing him will make big demands on my stamina if I don't stop him early, which is by no means certain.

"I have a holiday apartment in Cyprus but this will be no vacation, Limassol will be just a place where I will work my socks off getting ready for the fight of my life."

Arthur is planning to increase his sparring on his return to Scotland and is planning to use South Queensferry's British title contender Paul Appleby and Gilmerton welterweight Gary McMillan.

"I will get good sparring once I come back from Limassol," added Arthur. "Paul has his big chance coming up at Motherwell two weeks after I tackle and beat Guzman at Meadowbank. McMillan, is another good sparring partner. He has the same tricky, slippery, ring style as Guzman."