Boxing: Arthur's new Jim regime

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Oct 17, 2004 | by NICK PARKINSON

ALEX ARTHUR has switched from Mike Tyson's trainer to the man that helped Danny Williams stop the former undisputed heavyweight champion. Scottish super-featherweight Arthur had been working with American trainer Freddie Roach, who was in Tyson's corner when he was halted in four rounds by Londoner Williams in July. But Arthur has been trained by Williams's corner-man Jimmy McDonnell in London for Friday's fight against American Eric Odumase in front of his home fans in Edinburgh. Arthur, 26, insists he is correcting his errors under McDonnell which saw him lose the British title to Manchester's Michael Gomez in what was voted the best fight of the year. And so focused is Arthur on his training that he did not go back to Scotland for the birth of his son Liston last month.

He said: "I've been in London for a month now. I needed some zest and a wee bit of encouragement. Jimmy has touched up on allthe things that were wrong. I think it's going to be a very good relationship and it means I don't have to go to America. "It was important to get away from Edinburgh. I was stuck and not going any further. Edinburgh is a cliquey place and people don't necessarily want you to do well. "It was actually Freddie Roach who advised me to set up back in Britain and go with Jimmy McDonnell ecause he said he will be one of the most wanted trainers in Europe soon.

Freddie has health problems and travelling for him has become impossible. "I was down here last month when my baby was born and didn't go back - that's how focused I am. I have seen the baby once because I've been training so hard." Promoter Frank Warren wants to make a rematch with Gomez next year - and Arthur is actually glad he lost the first epic encounter after being stopped in the fifth round. He said: "All it has done has given me more confidence and was the kick up the backside that needed. I'm glad it happened because otherwise I would be doing the same things now as I was doing then."