Arthur bout is a step closer

EDINBURGH interim WBO champion Alex Arthur received the good news yesterday that his postponed challenge for champion Joan Guzman's full WBO superfeatherweight title is now likely to go ahead in June after a spokesman for Guzman confirmed that the boxer had now resolved his recent problems about obtaining a visa to enter the UK.

The Guzman camp confirmed yesterday that all they required now was for Arthur's promoter, Frank Warren, to announce the June date and venue, and Guzman would be there to defend against Arthur.

Meanwhile, another Capital pro boxer, Los Angeles-based southpaw middleweight Craig McEwan, admitted that he was delighted after American legend Bernard Hopkins thanked the former Clovenstone club amateur star for emulating Joe Calzaghe's southpaw style prior to Hopkins's recent clash with Calzaghe in Las Vegas.

McEwan said: "Bernard Hopkins not only told me that I was his best-ever sparring partner after our Calzaghe sessions, but that he aims to repay me by acting as my sparring partner ahead of my first UK ring appearance on May 24 – my first as a pro – in Manchester on the undercard of the Ricky Hatton versus Juan Lazcano fight bill.

"It's Bernard's own personal way of saying thanks to me.

"Once I get the Bernard Hopkins sessions under my belt I'll be returning to Edinburgh to finish off my prep for the fight."