Arthur has eyes on title (From South Wales Argus)

Arthur has eyes on title

11:10am Tuesday 30th June 2009

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CWMBRAN featherweight Jamie Arthur can’t wait for his latest fight – so he can see his family again.

The 29-year-old takes on rising star Akaash Bhatia at London’s York Hall in a British title eliminator live on Sky Sports tonight.

And Arthur is like a caged animal having had no contact with his wife and two kids for the past three weeks under trainer Eddie Avoth’s strict old-school regime.

“It’s the hardest I’ve ever trained for a fight, I’ve really done it properly this time and I’m feeling good,” said Arthur, who has 14 wins and just two defeats on his record.

“It’s been pretty chaotic. I’ve fitted in four or five weeks of work into the last three weeks. Steve Sims has worked me hard physically and Eddie has made me stay with my mum and dad.

“All I’ve been doing is getting up, going for a run, having some food, back to bed, up and out for a gym session, more food and bed.

“It can drive you mad and it’s been really difficult not seeing Karen and my two kids Oliver and Daniel, not even on Father’s Day, but it’s paid off because I’ve never felt so good,” he added.

“I’ve done 10 rounds sparring with Dai Davies who just beat Rob Turley for the Welsh Area title and I felt great.

‘It’s just a matter of sharpening the tools now and waiting for that bell to go. I can’t wait.”

Unbeaten Bhatia is a tough opponent for Arthur. The 26-year-old is the first ever professional British Sikh boxer and the current British Southern area featherweight champion and he’s certainly not lacking in confidence.

“Arthur is an orthodox fighter just like me,” said Bhatia. “He has a similar style, so it should make an interesting fight but I honestly think there is no British featherweight out there who can beat me and I am ready to prove that.

“When I do win this fight I am more than ready for [British champion] Martin Lindsay. I’ll even be ready in three weeks’ time to fight him because that’s how confident I am of beating him.”

Promoter Frank Maloney, who represents both fighters, declared: “The time has come to take the reins off. I believe Akaash could become the best known British Asian sportsman now that we all know Amir Khan is no longer invincible.”

Arthur’s response is typically generous: “I’m glad he’s confident. He feels he’s the best and that’s fine by me,” he said.

“That means there is no pressure on me. I came back into boxing to fight the best and I know I can fight a bit so let’s see who comes out on top.”

The fight takes place on the undercard of Jason Booth’s British super-bantamweight title against Rocky Dean. For tickets call 0871 2261508.

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