Alex Arthur will not consider a potential rematch with Ricky Burns, the new World Boxing Organisation interim lightweight champion, after admitting that he can no longer safely make the lightweight limit.
Instead of a lucrative bout against Burns, the Edinburgh man plans to step up to light-welterweight immediately, on the advice of his trainer, Peter Harrison, his fitness coach and his nutritionist.
Arthur defeated Burns on points at Meadowbank Sports Centre in 2006, a history that would combine with the traditional Edinburgh-Glasgow rivalry -- Burns is from nearby Coatbridge -- to guarantee that any subsequent meeting between the pair would generate significant interest and revenue.
Arthur was immediately identified as a possible next opponent after Burns won the WBO interim lightweight belt against Michael Katsidis last Saturday, but the contest will not take place.
“I would love to fight Ricky for the interim title but I am no longer capable of safely making lightweight,” Arthur said. “I lost my WBO super-featherweight title against Nicky Cook because I [had] outgrown the super-featherweight ranks. I have learned from that mistake and do not want to repeat it.
“I actually wrote to my promoter Frank Warren last month regarding his plans for my next contest and stated that I was struggling at lightweight but would still like to face the winner of the Burns-Katsidis contest. However, with the advice I have been given, I realise I should move up. I hope to return to the ring next year. Regardless of where my next fight takes place and who the opponent is, I will be entering the ring as a light-welterweight.”
Burns could still face Willie Limond in an all-Scottish bout, if the Glaswegian beats Anthony Crolla, the British lightweight champion, at Ravenscraig Sports Centre on November 25.
Another option is that Juan Manuel Marquez might choose to face Burns for the true WBO lightweight title, if he loses to Manny Pacquiao on Saturday. The Scot could also consider taking on the likes of Kevin Mitchell or Brandon Rios.
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