By Mark Vester
It was reported by The Scotsman that promoter Frank Warren will push for Alex Arthur (25-1, 19KOs) to face the winner of the upcoming title bout between WBO super featherweight champion Joan Guzman (27-0, 17KOs) and challenger Humberto Soto (42-5, 26KOs), taking place on November 17 at the Sycuan Resort & Casino in El Cajon, California.
Arthur won the WBO interim super featherweight title ten days ago when he knocked out Koba Gogoladze in Cardiff, Wales.
Warren had anticipated Guzman to move up to the lightweight division to face Michael Katsidis, thus giving Arthur the full championship status. In a turn of events, Guzman decided to stay at 130 in order to defend the belt against Soto. To stay active, Arthur will return to the ring in either November or December.
"I'm not entirely sure what is going on with the WBO regarding the title, to be honest," Warren told The Scotsman. "We were initially led to believe Guzman would have to face the winner of Arthur-Gogoladze within 120 days, but have subsequently been informed he has 180 days to fight Alex.
"If Guzman does now go ahead with the defense against Soto, then the winner of that one must face Alex in their next fight. I also believe it remains possible Guzman will not make the weight, in which case he would relinquish the title. It is frustrating for Alex, but the important thing is he is now guaranteed a shot at the title.
"We can't afford to have him sitting around waiting for it, however, because we want to keep him active. Alex will fight again in November or December this year in Edinburgh, either defending his interim title or the full title if it is vacated in the meantime."
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