Arthur targets title tilt within 12 months

ALEX Arthur is targeting a world title shot within 12 months after confirming yesterday that he is poised to sign a three-fight contract with Manchester-based Hatton Promotions.

Ex-world super-featherweight champion Arthur, from Edinburgh, held talks with Ricky Hatton recently after parting company his long-time promoter Frank Warren and has pronounced himself satisfied with the terms he has been offered.

Arthur, 31, said: “I have gone over the particulars of the contract with my advisers and everything is fine. I expect to put pen to paper this week and have my first fight under the Hatton banner towards the end of May. The agreement is for two eight-round bouts followed by a guaranteed title fight of some description before the end of the year. This is the first step on the road to becoming a world champion again.”

Arthur’s comeback bout will be in England, but he added: “Ricky says he will be bringing me back to Edinburgh at some stage because he wants to promote shows in Scotland through me.”

Meanwhile, Coatbridge super-featherweight Ricky Burns’ proposed WBO bout with champion Roman Martinez was put back until midsummer at the earliest. Burns will fight an eight-round non-title contest meantime at West Ham’s Upton Park on 15 May.