Alex Arthur: A New European Super Featherweight Champion is Crowned.

Alex Arthur last night moved one step closer to what he believes is his destiny: to bring a world title back to Scotland. After last night’s methodical destruction of teak tough Russian Boris Sinitsin, Arthur’s dream could very well become reality within the next nine-twelve months. As has been the case in all post-Gomez fights, Arthur got off to a slow start, using his trademark jab to deter the wily champion; however, the short, stocky Sinitsin often out jabbed Arthur in the early going, much to everyone’s surprise. Sinitin’s reflexes did not reflect those of a thirty-four-year-old warhorse. And it wasn’t until the third round that the contest caught fire, as Sinitsin opened up a cut on Arthur’s right eye courtesy of a sizzling left hook. Arthur, visibly distressed, went into retreat and Sinitsin caught him once more before the end of the round as Arthur struggled to regain his composure. To their credit, Arthur’s corner worked frantically on the cut and managed to stem the bleeding as the contest unraveled.

Arthur did not get back into his rhythm until the fifth, at which point Sinitsin opened up a cut on Arthur’s left eye, this time a product of Sinitsin being all too free with his shiny skull—which can only be described as a lethal weapon. The young Scot managed to remain composed, however, and his early work had begun to slow down the Russian. Arthur’s body shots were taking their toll on Sinitsin and rounds eight through twelve could all easily be mistaken for one another, as Arthur walked down the champion whilst unleashing a fusillade of power shots to both head and body. Sinitsin was in full-on survival mode by the twelfth round and subsequently felled by a pinpoint left hook on the chin. The Russian wobbled to his feet with ten seconds remaining, determined to finish the fight on his feet, and almost collapsing into Arthur as the bell sounded to end the contest. The decision was a formality and the judges awarded Arthur a unanimous decision, 119-108 twice and 118-109 being the official scoring.

What was most impressive about Alex was the maturity of the performance. Although not perfect, Arthur’s temperament has improved tenfold. He demonstrated the patience he will need to compete with the elite, almost to a fault. I still maintain that he needs to find a better balance between attack and defense. Of course, if he continues to break down opponents as he did last night, he will feel no compunction to change his methods and what I think will not matter in the slightest.

In the aftermath of the fight, talk of a bout with Scott Harrison became the most prominent rumor of future plans. There is no doubt that it is the bout that Frank Warren craves. Quite why he is so eager to match two of his best assets is a mystery to me. Both Harrison and Arthur have the ability to make it on the world stage. A defeat for either man would have a catastrophic effect on the loser’s career. It might make Warren a quick buck, but he will be effectively ruining the career prospects of one of his top assets. Given that they will both be pushing twenty-eight by the time the fight is made, neither fighter can afford a setback. And, as a Scotsman, I would like them both to be given ample opportunity to “crack” America, so to speak. Ideally, I would like Warren to try and match Arthur with Jorge Barrios for the WBO title and have Harrison move up to fight either Pacquiao or Barrera. Whether Harrison would beat either fighter is another matter. His career has grown stagnant and I refuse to believe that he makes featherweight comfortably. With Barrera and Pacquiao moving up, super featherweight is the place to be. It also houses fighters more suited to Harrison’s style. Staying at an uncomfortable weight to fight the best counter-puncher in world boxing just doesn’t seem sensible for a fighter like Harrison. Or is it just me who feels that way?

You’re probably wondering how an article about Alex Arthur’s European title triumph turned into a piece on Scott Harrison’s career prospects. Thus, I should get back to the focus of the piece. Robbie Peden would have been another option for Arthur, but Marco Antonio Barrera got to him first and I fully expect Barrera to unify. Lightweight, of course, is another option for Alex. Although, I feel lightweight is a lackluster division at present, with rumors of Castillo and Corrales eventually moving up.

Whatever Arthur decides, performance after performance he instills that bit more confidence in me that he has what it takes to a win world title. Hopefully, Frank Warren will come to realize that fact before he decides to eliminate one of Scotland’s two potential world-class operators.

Contact James MacDonald at ac009b5460@blueyonder.co.uk