Alex Arthur and Nicky Cook have vowed to set aside the niceities when they clash in a Battle of Britain at the M.E.N Arena on September 6.

 

The two super-featherweights swapped jokes and pleasantries during a conference call today instead of the usual insults.

 

But both men promised there will be plenty of bad blood when the bell goes to signal the start of their WBO world title clash next month.

 

"We are both nice guys and family men at heart, but once the bell goes we'll be at each other's throats," said champion Arthur on his assignment with the Auld Enemy.

 

"It's another England versus Scotland battle and they don't need much to get them going so I'm sure the fans won't go home disappointed.

 

"Nicky is an all-action fighter like me, and I know he'll be coming to rip my title away so I'll have to match him punch for punch.

 

"I'm looking forward to a great night in Manchester and I'm sure that we can live up to all the hype."

 

Cook, 28, who makes his first world title appearance at 9'4 but has boxed for the WBO crown at featherweight before, added: "I'll have to meet whatever Alex is planning to throw at me.

 

"I wouldn't have taken this fight if I didn't feel confident I could win it. Whatever he hits me with I'll be throwing back twice as much. I've got the tools to beat him.

 

"I know it's not going to be a walk in the park. It's going to be a great fighter and I know that we'll be putting on a fantastic show for all the fans."

 

Meanwhile both fighters said they would entertain the prospect of a first defence against young tyro Kevin Mitchell, who holds the British and Commonwealth titles.

 

Arthur, 30, said: "I don't have a problem fighting anyone. It doesn't make a great deal of difference to me who they put in front of me, as long as I get paid."

 

Cook, whose father Paul trains both him and Mitchell, added: "This is a business at the end of the day. If they want us to fight and the money is right, then I'd sit down and talk about it."

 

Arthur v Cook joint headlines 2 Hot 2 Handle alongside Amir Khan's fifth defence of his Commonwealth lightweight title.

 

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