Arthur brings in Scottish Sparring Partners

Alex Arthur has been sparring with two former opponents in preparation for his first WBO World Super-Featherweight title defence against Nicky Cook. The 30-year-old says he has conducted his most intensive training camp ever ahead of the clash on September 6 at the M.E.N Arena, Manchester. Amir joint headlines the blockbuster show with a defence of his WBO Intercontinental title defence against Colombian KO king Breidis Prescott, live and exclusive on Sky Box Office. Former world champion Wayne McCullough has been overseeing proceedings. And he has been watching Arthur spar fellow Scots Willie Limond and Ricky Burns in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Rising prospect Jason Hastie has also been doing rounds with Arthur. "There were a few problems ahead of the Steve Foster fight, but I couldn't have asked for a better training camp this time round," said Arthur. The former British, Commonwealth and European champion had to climb off the floor against Foster amid concerns he was struggling to make weight. But he said he will comfortably do 9'4 this time around. "With three weeks to go I was just seven pounds over the limit, so there shouldn't be a problem," said Arthur. "This is definitely the most intensive training camp I've ever had. Meanwhile Nicky Cook has revealed his torment at trying to make the nine stone featherweight limit in previous fights. "I was getting down to super-featherweight without too much problem, but trying to shift those last four pounds was absolute hell," said Cook. "It was eating into my muscle and leaving me weak at the weight. It affected my performance against Steve Luevano when I lost for the first time, but I'll be much stronger at 9'4." Cook has been sparring former European light-welterweight champion Colin Lynes. The night of boxing will be available to Sky digital subscribers for £14.95 on Sky Box Office channel 743 and in high definition on channel 753. It can be ordered by press the red button on the Sky remote handset - there is a £1 booking fee for any orders made by phone. For further information and to order the event, viewers can call: 08442 410 888 Tickets for 2 Hot 2 Handle, priced at £30, £40, £50, £100, £150 and £200, are available from www.frankwarren.tv and the following outlets: M.E.N Ticketmaster 0870 190 8000 www.men-arena.com BWFC0871 871 2932 Khan Boxing 01204 535 332 www.amirkhan-boxing.com See Tickets 0871 220 0260 www.seetickets.com Ticket Factory 0871 945 6000