Alex Arthur must defeat Ricky Burns to retain his three titles

Arthur's British, Commonwealth and European titles are up for grabs at Meadowbank Stadium.

"He's ready for 12 rounds if he has to go that far. He is training like a world champion," said McCullough.

"He has got the hunger and works hard every day. He wants to be world champion and I'm sure he will."

Former WBC bantamweight champion McCullough has been drafted in to prepare the 27-year-old Arthur for the fight.

And the Northern Irishman believes the Edinburgh fighter can challenge the very best, including Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao.

Arthur and McCullough were at ringside to watch Pacquiao beat Erik Morales in Las Vegas last month and set up a rematch with Mexican legend Marco Atonio Barrera.

"He (Arthur) would have no problem going in against Pacquiao," said McCullough.

"Pacquiao is made for Alex. He jumps forward and Alex hits so hard and would hurt him."

Burns hopes to cause an upset at Meadowbank

But Arthur must contend with the relatively inexperienced Burns before setting his sights any higher.

And the 22-year-old from Coatbridge is confident of causing an upset and turning Arthur over in the latter stages of the fight.

The some time car mechanic said: "Arthur is so flash he thinks he's a Ferrari - but really he's just an old banger who won't last the pace.

"He'll slow the longer the fight goes. And like an old banger he'll pack up when he returns to his corner.

"His engine will burn out and he'll stall on the hard shoulder.

"I want to take him down the road for as long as possible and then watch him burn himself out.

"This is the chance of a lifetime - so I won't let it pass me by without giving Arthur the fight of his life."

Burns, who is one of British boxing's best-kept secrets and unbeaten in 13 pro fights, outpointed British lightweight champion Graham Earl in a catchweight contest last February.

Arthur was knocked out by Manchester's Michael Gomez in 2003, his only defeat in 21 contests.