By John Clifford: On Tuesday night at York hall Bethnal green in what was sauna like conditions Jamie Arthur took a huge step forward in his career by beating the previously unbeaten Akaash Bhatia in their British title eliminator. The former commonwealth gold medallist from Cwmbran won by a score of 96-95 after puling out the goods in the final round.
Arthur, who improved to 15-2-0 is unbeaten since his return to the ring in 2008 after a 3 year layoff has now set-up a British title fight with Northern Ireland’s Martin Lindsay. Arthur credited his great form since his return, to the old school regime of his new trainers former fighters Eddie Avoth and Steve Sims. He says they have returned him to his best form since opening their new gym.
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Also on the “back from the brink card” on Tuesday night was former amateur star Ryan Evans who was making his pro debut at welterweight against journeymen Johnny Greaves (1-34-0). The former double ABA Welsh champion got his career off to a winning start with a points victory over four rounds, Evans has been tipped to achieve at least British Honours by his trainer Gary Lockett and will be looking to remain busy as he makes the transition from amateur to professional.
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Staying with Gary Lockett the former middleweight has been speaking on how excited he is to be back in the game and about how he hopes to not only continue training and managing fighters as reported last week, but also how he hopes to venture into promoting. The recently retired 32 year old has struck a deal with his fighters promoter Frank Maloney, which will allow him to have some shows in Wales in order to build up a following for his fighters which include the promising Ricky Owen (11-0-0). Lockett hopes these shows will allow him to learn the ropes with a view to hopefully becoming a successful promoter in the future.
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Lastly, Bradley Pryce has been talking about how he hopes a return to home comforts in a bid to help him re-establish himself in the British light middleweight picture. The Newbridge resident is looking forward to fighting in Wales for the first time since 2007 and after his fight with bulimia Pryce has consulted a dietician for the first time in his career.
Thanks to the dietician the man they call ‘sweet sugar’ has scrapped the idea of moving up to the middleweight division, deciding he has unfinished business at the 11 stone limit. The 28 year old is hoping a win over Michael Monaghan will get him right back into title contention and stated his main aim for this year is to win the British title. If all goes to plan Pryce could be facing the winner of Matthew Hall and Anthony Small bout, it is thought Pryce would prefer to face his former conqueror Hall instead of a man he has already beaten in Small.
July 2, 2009
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