Alex Arthur is setting his sights on becoming a two-weight world champion as he prepares to return to the ring after a year out.
Scotsman sets sights on becoming two-weight champion
Alex Arthur is setting his sights on becoming a two-weight world champion as he prepares to return to the ring after a year out.
The 30-year-old had held the WBO super-featherweight belt, only to lose the title on points to Nicky Cook in June 2008.
That defeat, only the second of Arthur's career, was followed by spells on the sidelines through injury and illness.
But Arthur will now make his comeback at lightweight against Mohamed Benbiou at Glasgow's Bellahouston Leisure Centre on June 19.
And the Scot believes that a move up the divisions is long overdue.
Hindsight
"Making the weight was unbearable," said Arthur, who had struggled to victories over Koba Gogoladze and Steve Foster Jnr for the interim WBO title.
"I think all the signs were there after the Steve Foster fight.
"I probably should have given them the belt back. But hindsight is a great thing, it's difficult to turn down big fights.
"It's so much better now - just the fact I can eat food like rice and cereals rather than emaciating myself means I can train much harder.
"I can push myself to a higher level, I'm maybe even at my peak condition.
"I feel like before when I won the British title from Steve Conway.
"I absolutely believe I can be world champion again. I don't do this because I like getting punched in the face."
