Jamie Arthur Hoping To Climb The British Rankings

By Terence Dooley

Jamie Arthur is in good spirits following his shock win over Akaash Bhatia last month. Arthur handed Akaash his first professional loss after both men staged a grueling fight at the historic York Hall venue. 

Arthur, 29, is currently riding the wave of six consecutive wins; he is also taking aim at current British featherweight boss Martin Lindsay, who looked sensational against Paul Appleby earlier this year.

Jamie won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Welshman has a burning desire to grab himself the Lonsdale belt, before using this belt as a launch pad towards the European rankings; first, though, there is the potential showdown with Lindsay.

“I feel I’m good enough to win the British title if I’m given a shot at it,” confirmed Arthur.  “Hopefully I will fight Lindsay later this year and, if possible, have it in Wales so I can get home support.  My comeback has been perfect so far, exactly the way we planned it.  Promoter Chris Sanigar did a great job of getting me the right fights and letting me slowly build towards the title.

“I’ve done things the right way and stayed below the radar.  There hasn’t been any pressure and I’ve done things at my own pace.  But now it’s time to take it to the next level.  I’m 29 and if this British title is going to happen, it’s going to happen now.”

Bhatia was tipped for big things, he brought a 14-0 record into the showdown with Arthur, Jamie gritted it out, out-scoring and out-fighting Bhatia to grab a deserved points win, it was a huge boost for the man from Cwmbran.

“I’m ranked fifth in Britain at the moment.  I feel I’m now in the position to be put forward for a shot at the belt.  After beating Bhatia, I’m exactly where I wanted to be when I started this comeback.  I always knew I was good enough to get the British title and I’m ready to prove it,” declared Arthur.

Arthur retired briefly after consecutive losses in 2005, only to then make a comeback in 2008; however, what is past is past, Arthur is in form right now, and the Lindsay fight cannot come soon enough.

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