ARTHUR WARNS HUGHES: I’M GETTING BETTER WITH AGE

JAMIE ARTHUR aims to make the most of his shock crack at the Commonwealth super bantamweight title.

The Cwmbran boxer (17-4) challenges unbeaten Kris Hughes (12-0) for the vacant title at The Troxy, London, E1 on Saturday October 16.

Arthur, 30, failed in a British featherweight title bid in March going down on points to Martin Lindsay.

He stepped down to super-bantamweight for a Prizefighter tournament recently and is happy at 122lb.

Arthur who replaces Matthew Marsh said: “I made the weight comfortably and although this fight is short notice I can be a force to be reckoned with.

“I feel I am getting better with age and I am much stronger than I was a few years ago, and that makes it easier to get in shape.

“The Lindsay fight was hard, but I didn’t show myself up against a boxer who is likely to fight for European and world title.”

Hughes, 22, is fresher, but has never faced anybody with Arthur’s experience at the highest level.

In the main event Sam Webb (16-1) makes the first defence of his British light-middleweight title against Martin Concepcion (17-7).

Maloney’s three heavyweight prospects David Price (7-0),Tom Dallas (11-0) and Larry Olubamiwo (9-1) all box on the show being televised live by Sky Sport

The card also features former British flyweight title challenger Ashley Sexton (9-0-1), Martin Welsh (7-0) and Lewis Pettitt (2-0).

Tickets are available priced £35 and £85 from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508

GAVIN TITLE HUNGRY
 
Hotshot Frankie Gavin wants to win the British and Commonwealth titles before the end of the year.
 
Gavin picked up his first professional title - the Irish light-welterweight crown - with an impressive stoppage of Michael Kelly last month in Birmingham.
 
Current British champion Lenny Daws hasn't fought since the summer, and Gavin says he will beat him.
 
"If I'm going to go all the way to the top then I need to beat the likes of Lenny Daws," he said.
 
"He is a decent domestic level fighter, but he's nothing special.
 
"I've been buzzing since I won the Irish title and I want the British and Commonwealth next.
 
"But although I'm proud of the belt because of my Irish heritage, the one every boxer wants to win is the British, and at the moment Daws has got a belt that I want."
 
Funtime Frankie is now unbeaten in eight fights, with seven early wins.
 
And he could feature as part of Warren's big December promotion.
 
"It is championship fights all the way for me now," said Gavin.
 
"I want to fight the best in the country, and then face the best in the world.
 
"I must be driving Frank mad because I keep ringing him and asking about title fights.
 
"But I know he will deliver, and I can't wait to get back in the ring."