McCullough in corner for Arthur fight

Published on Wednesday 23 April 2008 10:21

FORMER WBC super- bantamweight champion Wayne McCullough will jet into Edinburgh this weekend to lead Alex Arthur's corner team for the Edinburgh boxer's WBO super-featherweight title fight against Dominican Joan Guzman at Meadowbank on May 3.

Although Arthur knocked back an offer from Glasgow-based coach Billy Nelson to help in his bout against Guzman, he said: "While I am grateful Billy Nelson offered to join my team, I received a pledge from Wayne McCullough, pictured, that he would be delighted to be my cornerman at Meadowbank.

"Wayne was my chief second during my successful British title defence against challenger Ricky Burns in February 2006, and when I was out in Las Vegas training recently he made the offer for the May 3 fight.

"Absolutely no disrespect to Billy Nelson, whom I like and admire, but on this occasion I want Wayne McCullough in my corner.

"Wayne is currently in Canada but he will jet into Edinburgh this Friday to help me in my run- in preparations for the showdown with Guzman."

Arthur added: "My complete corner team for the fight will be Wayne, Londoner Jimmy Tibbs for cuts and the ever-dependable Austin Handren."

Arthur has also welcomed the offer from his former sparring partner and long-time friend Colin McNeil's to help out.

The former amateur star has new-found skills as a masseur and Arthur said: "Colin McNeil is one of my oldest and very best friends in boxing. I'm grateful for his offer and his recent public statement that he thinks I'll have the beating of Guzman – Colin will always be welcome at my training camp.''

Meanwhile, Gilmerton pro welterweight Gary McMillan was adamant yesterday that a cut he received earlier this week on the bridge of his nose picked up during a sparring session with Iranian light-middleweight Ben Menim will not lead to him being pulled off the Meadowbank undercard. McMillan said: "I've had it medically sealed and I will definitely box at Meadowbank."