British Boxing: How Arthur Beat The Bullies

Jamie Arthur would not have had the chance become British champion, but for being bullied because he was ginger and spoke with a Scottish accent as kid.

The Cwmbran ring ace fulfils a lifelong dream when he challenges for Martin Lindsay's (15-0) British featherweight title at Leigh Indoor Sports Village on Friday night (19/3)

Arthur (16-2) who won a 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medal quit boxing in July 2005 after consecutive losses, but after almost three years returned and is on a seven fight winning streak.

He said: "I moved from Scotland to Wales when I was four-years-old, but being Scottish and ginger made me a target for bullies. I was picked on daily by a group of boys who lived down the road.

"When I was nine I decided to do something about it and found a boxing gym. For the first month I didn't tell my parents I was there."

He was soon being recognised as one of most talented young sportsmen in Wales. Arthur won several national boxing titles and played football for Wales at schoolboy level.

Arthur, 30, added: "I had to make a choice between boxing and football. I went with my heart. Boxing is what I excelled at and I believe I made the right choice.

"Winning gold for Wales at the Commonwealth Games was by far one of my best moments so far, but beating Lindsay would even top that. I have been boxing for more than 20 years, but winning a major professional title against Lindsay is something so special."

Belfast's Lindsay, 27, will be making his first defence of the title he won against Scot Paul Appleby last year.

Other stars on the bill include Olympic bronze medallist David Price, British flyweight champion Shinny Bayaar, ex-British bantamweight champion Gary Davies, Paul Edwards, Dave Ferguson, Karl Place, Rick Goddins and unbeaten lightweight John Watson.

Tickets for are available for £35 and £80 ringside from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com