 Arthur holds European, British and Commonwealth titles |
Alex Arthur will face a mirror image of himself when he defends his British, European and Commonwealth titles against Ricky Burns on 18 February. The 27-year-old superfeatherweight takes on his former sparring partner who is five years his junior.
"Ricky is a brilliant young fighter and he reminds me very much of myself when I was his age," said Arthur.
"I'm the more experienced fighter and I need to remember that once I was young and willing to take on anybody."
Burns is unbeaten in 13 fights and the Glaswegian believes the time is right to usurp the Edinburgh champion.
"This is my big chance to make a name for myself and I don't plan on blowing it," said the challenger.
"Alex is an old sparring partner of mine and I definitely respect him as a champion but he didn't give me any problems in sparring, and sparring is no different from fighting.
"He is big and strong at the weight but I have no fears at all.
"He is the best in Britain at the moment but we'll see how it goes on the night.
"I've confidence in my own ability and I believe that I've got what it takes to do it.
"I'm only 22 so this is a no-lose situation for me. But I'm not in there to make up the numbers, I'm going in there to win.
"I've already beaten the British and Commonwealth champions at the weight above me so that says it all."
MMIX
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