Foster ready to challenge Arthur by Tom Walker Nov 23rd 2007

Alex Arthur and Steve Foster Jnr spoke yesterday at a teleconference organised by Sports Network, for their forthcoming WBO Interim title bout at super-featherweight to be held on the 15th December at Edinburgh's Meadowbank Arena. Neither boxer is looking past the bout on that evening, which is as it should be. Inevitably though, the fans of both boxers will harbour thoughts of the full title and the present holder Joan Guzman. Earlier this year there were persistent rumours of Guzman's weight problems at 130lbs. However, Guzman, who made his second defence of the WBO junior-lightweight belt last Saturday, when he unanimously and some would say comprehensively, out pointed Mexican challenger Humberto Soto, (so can get to within a pound or two of the limit) is understood to be pursuing more lucrative paydays in the US against the “high rollers of boxing” Manny Pacquaio and Juan Manuel Marquez, and may vacate his title formally in order to do so. "I hope to have a decision from Guzman within the next couple of weeks," said Sports Network supremo Frank Warren. "If he gives up the title, then Alex will automatically become the new champion and will be defending the title against Stephen Foster at Meadowbank. "If Guzman does not vacate the belt, then he has to face the winner of Arthur-Foster within 90 days of their fight on 15 December. If that is the case, then I will win the purse bids for a fight with Guzman. I am certain of that!” "I would give Alex or Steve for that matter, home advantage in a fight with Guzman. I have promoted Guzman in the past and I honestly believe he would dread coming to the UK to fight Alex or Steve." Arthur believes he will soon be an “official” world champion no matter what route Guzman takes. "Obviously Guzman is a tremendous fighter, he is in that elite club of really big names in the sport," said the 29-year-old. "That's where I want to be and hopefully in 2008 that is the level I will be operating at. "The winner of this fight on 15 December will be in line to compete in the big league next year and to make a lot of money, fame, prestige and glory. That's what we are in this sport for." Foster is not intimidated in the slightest by the size of the task he faces on the night, despite boxing in Arthur's home town with the largest percentage of the crowd being pro Arthur, as he will bring a contingent of “Mancunian fans” with him. "I feel much stronger at super-featherweight," said the 27-year-old, "and this is a fantastic opportunity for me. I respect Alex Arthur as a fighter, but I've no worries about fighting him in his own backyard and I'm confident I can win in Edinburgh." The inevitable question over a potential match up with Scott Harrison at some time in the future was neatly sidestepped by “Amazin” Alex Arthur as he pointed out that Harrison hasn't boxed for some three years, but at the same time he (Arthur) didn't rule it out as a potential fight.

Go back Comment on this article | Send to a friend | Print

Please login before posting comments.

There are no comments. Click here to be the first who comment on this article.