King Arthur targets featherweight crown (From Free Press Series)

King Arthur targets featherweight crown

11:01am Thursday 2nd July 2009

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CWMBRAN’S Jamie Arthur is within touching distance of the British featherweight crown after upsetting the odds to beat rising star Akaash Bhatia.

The 29-year-old won a thrilling title eliminator against the previously unbeaten Bhatia at London’s York Hall and has now set his sights on beating champion Martin Lindsay.

The gruelling physical work with fitness man Steve Sims and strict regime of trainer Eddie Avoth, which meant Arthur hadn’t seen his family for three weeks, paid off in style as he pipped favourite Bhatia 96-95 in the final round.

On a sweltering night with temperatures rising to around 40ºC in the ring, Arthur’s superior fitness saw him through and he paid tribute to Sims and Avoth, themselves both former British champions.

“Eddie and Steve got me through this fight, no doubt,” he said.

“I owe a lot to both of them. They had tears in their eyes afterwards and it means so much to them and me.

“I’m over the moon. The training was hard and being away from my family made it even more difficult but the result makes it all worthwhile.

“I had to eat, sleep and breathe boxing but now I can get back to Karen and the kids, as well as the dogs, the horses and the guinea pigs, and look forward to taking on Lindsay. Hopefully, we can make the fight for Cardiff or Newport – that would be perfect,” he added.

Newport’s Sims, British featherweight champ in the early 1980s, said: “I’m so proud of Jamie. He had great support with 50 or 60 fans cheering him on and he didn’t let any of them down.

“Bhatia came out strong but Jamie stood his ground and showed his true grit to take charge. Now we’re gunning for my old belt.”

Bhatia, who talked confidently of dispatching Arthur before the fight, was made to eat his words and after sustaining two cuts late on was treated by paramedics after passing out in his dressing room.

“He was super-confident and I was the underdog but I liked that, I thrived on that,” said Arthur.

“Nobody expected me to win and that makes it all the sweeter.

“People were saying 2009 was going to be his year and that he was better than Lindsay but I felt I won by a couple of rounds and 96-95 was lenient on him.

“I hope he’s ok but I’ve shown I’m not a bad fighter myself. I’m aching all over but I couldn’t be happier.”

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