Arthur will have to work hard to fend off Gomez

Manchester-born Gomez will attempt to wrest back his British super-featherweight title from Arthur when the pair meet at Meadowbank on October 25.

The 25-year-old claims he will train harder for this fight than any other.

"Losing is not an option for me," said Gomez.

"Mark my words, once I train hard there's no way I'm going to lose.

"Don't tell Frank Warren, but I'll fight him for nothing!

"I just don't like him. He said something very disrespectful to my dad in the Braehead Arena when he fought Willie Limond.

I know for a fact that I'm going to win but I really expect it to be 12 hard rounds. Michael Gomez

"So this fight is not about a British title to me.

"No disrespect, the British title is a great belt and I've won it outright. This is about me, getting back on track and beating Alex Arthur."

However, Gomez conceded that the Scotsman's boxing credentials are beyond doubt.

He said: "They say he's amazing. I don't think he's amazing but I do think he's up there.

"He's highly rated in Britain and round the world and even though I don't like him, I have to say he is an absolutely great fighter, the best fighter that I've fought to date.

"He's very strong and puts his punches together well."

By contrast, a laid-back Arthur was thrilled to be fighting in his home town again and was confident about his chances with the Mancunian fighter.

He said: "I'm delighted that this is taking place at home in Edinburgh. I knew that one day it would happen.

"Michael Gomez is the perfect fight. I know a lot of people had doubts whether we could draw a crowd in Edinburgh, but Michael and I will be a great fight.

"He likes to fight close and in fact it's the only way he can fight.

"As everybody knows I've got a really long reach and I'm tall for my weight class.