Boxing: I can cut it against Docherty

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Apr 3, 2005 | by JOE McHUGH

ALEX ARTHUR last night warned Craig Docherty he'll slice and dice him when they meet for the British and Commonwealth super- featherweight titles at Meadowbank on Friday.

Edinburgh hero Arthur reckons he could make like Edward Scissorshands when Docherty, who is prone to cuts, puts his features at risk against his fast hands.

The 26-year-old said: "I've prepared for the fight to go the distance, as you must do, but I really don't think it will.

"In a way, I want this to be tough because I've trained so damned hard for it but I think that I will stop Craig.

"Of course, I'm not the sort who'll jump out of the ring in embarrassment if it ends up going 12 rounds - but that's not likely.

"It will be a competitive fight while it lasts, though.

"Craig can't change his style. He's not suddenly going to spring out of the blocks because he's never done that in his life - he's more of a wear-you-down sort of fighter.

"He also cuts up quite badly and, with my speed and accuracy, I'm really a cutting puncher. Willie Limond had never been cut in 18 bouts until he met me and I also cut Gomez and then Ruiz.

"Everyone thinks that I'll win on Friday but I can't listen to all that stuff at the moment.

"It's just important that I keep focused."

Docherty, meanwhile, claims he's been working on a new strategy with trainer Kris McAdam that will see him win both belts.

"It's a secret," he said. "But you'll certainly find out about it on Friday."

Both boxers are also keen that their supporters allow them to restrict the fighting to the ring. There was crowd trouble at the same venue when Michael Gomez stopped Arthur in October, 2003 and there are fears the Glasgow- Edinburgh rivalry could result in similar running battles afterwards.

Arthur is so concerned that he intends making a special plea for peace once the fight ends.

He said: "I'm hoping the fans, particularly mine, are responsible on the night.

"However, I have been thinking about taking the microphone from the ring announcer at the end and addressing the fans.

"I'd just make the point Craig and I should have done enough fighting for everyone. This should be a highly competitive fight and I'd like to think it'll be a trouble-free night.

"But you can never tell."