By Terence Dooley
Terry McCormack has revealed that he will no longer train or work the corner of former WBO super-featherweight title-holder Alex Arthur. Arthur has been through more coaches than National Express during his 32 fight career; he will now have to enter the market for a new trainer.
“It wasn't an easy decision to take but I want to concentrate now on my younger fighters at the Lochend gym such as Paul Appleby, who has just returned to train after taking a break since November. Paul will now fight exclusively as a featherweight-and my aim is to help get him right back into the championship frame. Welterweight John Thain and British Masters welterweight champion Gary McMillan also have bouts to prepare for,” said McCormack when speaking to scotsman.com.
He added: “I felt I was spreading myself too thinly around my boxers in the Lochend gym so I told both Alex Arthur and bantamweight Gareth Stemp that I no longer can act for them as their ring cornerman or trainer, although I wish both boxers all the very best in the future. I also have several top amateurs like Josh Taylor and Kevin Skey on the brink of British and Olympic squad places and that, too, was a factor in my decision.”
Arthur lost his WBO belt in his maiden defence when losing to London's Nicky Cook in 2008. After a nine month sabbatical, 'Amazing' returned to action with a single stanza win over Mohamed Benbiou. However, a decision defeat to Nigel Wright late in 2009 dealt a massive blow to his title aspirations. Alex's last action saw him register a points win over Jay Morris back in December.
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