Boxing: Alex Arthur sets retirement date but plans to go out with bang

FORMER British, European and WBO super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur has revealed that he will quit boxing in 18 months time.

The Capital fighter intends to concentrate on a career as a boxing promoter and media pundit although he has vowed to bow out of the ring with a bang.

Arthur, whose “Triple A” promotions firm promoted a successful night of ring action at Meadowbank last August, said: “I have taken the decision to quit competitive boxing in 18 months time as I am now 33-years-old and have no need or desire to still be boxing when I am 35-years-old.

“However, I aim to go out in a blaze of glory by having three or four further fights within the next year and a half, including one last stab at a title.

“If I win the title shot in the second or third fight then I plan to defend my title successfully in a farewell fight – preferably but not necessarily – in Edinburgh.’’

Once finished in the ring, Arthur will focus all his energies on getting the Capital’s top boxers to perform on his shows. And he admits he’ll take inspiration from his own manager Frank Warren.

Arthur said: ‘’I’ve studied boxing promotion and how to do it at the feet of a master, Frank Warren, who promoted all my major career fights.

“I already have my team in place with my wife Debbie qualified in events management, Grant Jeans in promotional matters, publicity and matchmaking while I have several local sponsors backing us.

“I have recently been working with a satellite TV boxing channel as a ringside commentator in England in a role that is likely to become regular and that will continue giving me he kind of contacts which will be invaluable.

“And I also plan chats with local coaches about any of their amateur stars who may want to go pro in the future.’’

“I’m confident, given the success of my first show at Meadowbank in August, I can run profitable shows at various venues in Edinburgh.”

Triple A Promotions have begun talks to hold their next show at Meadowbank in April but Arthur revealed they have plans to run shows before then.

“I’m working with my promotional colleague Grant Jeans in negotiating our next show at Meadowbank but we could run shows before then if we can find alternative venues as Meadowbank is heavily booked up until April.’’