Alex Arthur was defeated against Nigel Wright on Saturday after eight-rounds at the Newcastle’s Metro Arena.

The former world champion moved to lightweight in an attempt to rebuild himself after his WBO super-featherweight title loss to Nicky Cook last year.

The 31-year-old Scot had a lot riding on making an impressive comeback, saying before the fight that if he didn’t perform on the night then the “dream could be over.”

The Edinburgh veteran made a low-key return to the ring following his recent blood disorder in June with a first-round stoppage of Mohamed Benbiou.

But Arthur had his eye set on the record books and hoped that he could become the first Scottish fighter to ever win world titles in three weight divisions.

But moving up to the light welterweight to take on Wright was always a risk for the 31-year-old: "Of course it's a risk."

"But boxing is all about taking risks. Some people take risks every day in their life. It's what makes great champions.”

However, Arthur’s hopes of being champion were blown apart on the night with the Scot looking in poor condition and out of sorts as he took on his Hartlepool opponent.

Wright looked in better condition and proved it with his superior work. Arthur made a fight of it with many of the rounds close but was often caught by Wright's busy jab, looking very tired and flat-footed.

In the closing stages of the match, the Scot went for broke in a bid to get the decision - and produced by far his best work - but it was no surprise when Scottish referee Victor Loughlin held up Wright's arm with a score of 78-76 to the Englishman.

The fight took place on the same night as Amir Khan’s conquered Dmitriy Salita to retain his WBA light welterweight title with a first-round blow-out.