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Arthur ready for Guzman test

Scot delighted with home advantage

Last updated: 18th March 2008

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Alex Arthur is hoping to make the most of home advantage when he takes on WBO super-featherweight champion Joan Guzman at Edinburgh's Meadowbank Arena on May 3.

The Scot steps up to the highest level for the first time against an undefeated champion who is recognised as the best fighter around at 130lb.

However, Arthur, who has won 10 fights since a devastating loss to Michael Gomez in 2003 - including the European title - believes the Edinburgh faithful can give him the extra incentive he needs to come out on top.

"With my fans behind me I know I can beat Guzman and prove that I belong at world level," said Arthur.

"Make no mistake, Guzman is a dangerous customer and he fully deserves his reputation as one of the pound-for-pound greats.

"The bookies will have me as a pre-fight underdog, but that doesn't bother me - I know I've got the beating of him.

"He reckons that fighting me will be easy money, but I'm going to give him hell for every single penny he earns.

"I've never been so fired up for a fight in all my life. It's been my dream to fight the best in the world, and now I've got the chance to prove myself, I'll take it with both hands."

Guzman, who hails from the Dominican Republic, is a former WBO super-bantamweight champion who has successfully jumped up two weight classes, although all his wins at 130lb have come by way of points.