Alex Arthur handed world boxing title

SCOTLAND'S Alex Arthur has been crowned WBO super-featherweight champion after Joan Guzman opted to relinquish the world title and move up to the lightweight division.

Edinburgh fighter Arthur was already 'interim' champion as he awaited his shot at Guzman but has been denied the chance to win the belt inside the ring after the Dominican Republican fighter decided to move up in weight.

The 29-year-old Scot had been set to face the fearsome puncher known as 'the Little Tyson' in the capital on May 3 but Guzman failed to secure a visa in time. A new date had been anticipated before Guzman's decision to let the title go.

Arthur, who became interim champion with last summer's victory over Koba Gogoladze, is keen to return to action.

He said: "I'm delighted with the decision by the WBO to give me full world champion status but I felt that I won the title when I beat Koba Gogoladze last July.

"I'm confident I would have beaten Guzman had the fight been rescheduled but I believe that I'm among the elite super-featherweights and want to prove myself as the best out there.

"But I'm proud to be Edinburgh's first world champion for 30 years, and am looking forward to making the first defence of my title."

Promoter Frank Warren revealed the search is under way to find a replacement opponent for what will be Arthur's first defence this summer.

The Sports Network chief said: "Britain has lost a few of its world champions over the last few months but we have got one back with Alex now declared as world champion.

"I believe he will be a long-term world champion.

"I'm working hard at the moment to deliver a new date and challenger for Alex."