Arthur tipped Burns for world title after beating him

STV

Alex Arthur revealed how he told Ricky Burns he would one day become a world champion after beating the then 22-year-old on points back in February 2006. Arthur, who went on to win the WBO super-featherweight title, saw the potential in his young opponent who won that same belt last month in a ferocious battle against Roman Martinez.

"Right after we fought I told Ricky he would win a world championship if he stuck to his guns and he’s went on to achieve it. We had a great fight over 12 rounds and the minute the bell rang I told Ricky he would be a champion one day,” explained Arthur.

Arthur will fight an as yet unnamed opponent on the undercard of Burns’ first defence of his title against Andreas Evensen at Braehead Arena on December 4 and is raring to get back in action so soon.

“It’s brilliant, it’s very quick after the last one; September to December. It’s just fantastic to be active and busy and to be back in the ring on a regular basis is great,” said the 32-year-old, who won a unanimous points decision over Irish journeyman Peter McDonagh.

“I’ve dealt with these situations a hundred times. I’m the old experienced campaigner in the group and nothing surprises me, nothing shocks me and I just take it as it comes.”

The Edinburgh fighter has had his fair share of weight and health problems trying to make the super-featherweight limit. While moving up two divisions to light-welterweight was a step too far following his points loss against Nigel Wright, Arthur has found his comfort zone at lightweight.

“It’s absolutely brilliant; I can eat now which is a great thing. It makes life a lot easier when you can eat,” he said.

Should he continue to win at lightweight Arthur is hoping to get his hands on a second world title and that, along with Burns’ success and the potential of Craig McEwan, Paul Appleby and Kris Hughes, could kick start a new golden era for Scottish boxing.

SCOTTISH BOXING LATEST NEWS: