Arthur: I'm fit and ready
Former WBO World super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur has played down the effects of recent inactivity as he prepares for his return to the ring next month.
Arthur has been out of action since December last year and faces Peter McDonagh at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall on September 4 in a lightweight contest which is on the undercard of fellow Scot Ricky Burns' world title challenge against Roman Martinez.
Arthur said: "There have been long gaps in my career for one reason and another. But this is the here and now and I feel brilliant. Ring rust is not an issue. The time off will not be to my advantage but I've had some very good sparring and very real sparring. I had a rest after my last fight but I have been sparring since March."
He added: "I am 32 but I still feel physically brilliant and I am still the fittest person in the gym."
Irishman McDonagh, 32, has lost more fights than he has won - 18 defeats to 15 victories - but Arthur will not be taking his opponent lightly as he takes what he hopes is the first step back to world title level under promoter Frank Warren, with whom he has re-signed.
He said: "I've got to deliver Frank the victories and get my title back.
"So I am really, really excited about this fight.
"I can't wait to get back in and at my best weight, and Glasgow is a fantastic place to fight in.
"I'd describe McDonagh as a good solid professional.
"I've had a look at him on tapes and he has good physical attributes and lightweight suits him."
Date published :
24 Aug 2010 - 15:30:41
