Alex Arthur does not want a re-match with Ricky Burns - but Kevin Mitchell is keen to face the Scotsman in a mouth-watering domestic showdown. Talk of an all-Scottish clash has intensified since Burns' impressive points win against Australian Michael Katsidis This content is protected for the interim lightweight WBO belt at Wembley Arena on Saturday. But Arthur This content is protected has ruled it out as he does not think he would be able to make the weight. However, one possible opponent for Burns This content is protected could be WBO Inter-Continental lightweight champion Kevin Mitchell, This content is protected who has urged promoter Frank ****** This content is protected to get the fight on. Mitchell, who was stopped in three rounds by Katsidis in May last year, tweeted ****** on Wednesday: "I think myself vs Ricky Burns is an obvious choice and needs to happen ASAP." Impressive The Londoner bounced back from the first loss of his professional career at the hands of Katsidis in impressive fashion by stopping John Murray This content is protected in July and a match-up with Burns would certainly be one of the most appealing domestic showdowns in recent years. Scottish rivals Arthur and Burns, meanwhile, came up against each other in Edinburgh in February 2006 when Arthur defended his European, Commonwealth and British super-featherweight titles against Burns via a unanimous decision points victory. And there has been talk of a re-match between the pair since the Coatbridge fighter captured and made three successful defences of the WBO super-featherweight title which was previously held by Arthur. But Edinburgh's Arthur confirmed he is not seeking another meeting with Burns and will now officially move up to the light-welterweight division. He said: "I just want to state that I want to and would love to fight Ricky for the interim title but I am no longer capable of safely making lightweight. "I lost my WBO super-featherweight title against Nicky Cook This content is protected because I was dead at the weight having outgrown the super-featherweight ranks but still went ahead with the bout. "I have learned from that mistake and do not want to repeat it. "I actually wrote to my promoter Frank ****** last month regarding his plans for my next contest and stated in the letter that I was struggling at lightweight but would still like to face the winner of the Burns-Katsidis contest. Nutritionist "However, with the advice I have been given, I now realise I should move up. "It is a no-win situation and my family, trainer Peter Harrison, conditioning coach and nutritionist are of the same opinion. "I hope to return to the ring next year. Regardless of where my next fight takes place, and who the opponent is, I will be entering the ring as a light-welterweight." Arthur's nutritionist Nikos Jakubiak said: "What has to be kept in mind is that Alex has weighed in for three of his last four fights at over 10 stone. "There isn't enough fat in Alex's body for him to lose so he would have to dehydrate himself to a degree where it would be a real risk to his health for him to box as a lightweight. "I can't see how Alex could provide a decent performance for the boxing fans as it would be impossible for him to perform the way he is capable of."
Makes sense really, if Mitchell had lost to Murray then he probly wouldn't deserve the fight with burns, good fight while it lasts I believe burns is in his prime he's a lot faster than Mitchell so I'm going for burns in points.
Would love to see that fight. Everyone on the forum with a Twitter account shout Tweet Fwank Wawwen and get it made. I'd love to see that fight take place.
Its a good fight coming off of his solid Murray win. Truth be told though I want to see Burns mix it with the elite, especially after beating Martinez and Katsidis. He has proven he belongs, even if he was to lose his next big fight.
The possibility of Mitchell-Burns is not the most interesting part of that article to me... What can Arthur do @ 140? It's a bit of a crowded house and he's already been bested by one of the top names at domestic level.
I think it would be a good fight (although I groan already at the thought of the Scottish-English exchanges on ESB in the buildup/aftermath..!) and would establish who is the domestic number one. Would be easy match to make and would give time for a good buildup to a major title fight for the winner. I'm a big fan of this fight.
could be a decent fight, especially if the Arthurs fight isnt happening domestically it makes more sense than anything else out there at lightweight
It is a no win situation " he wins a world title" end of the day hed lose badly and his TEAM know that as well. Look after yourself outwith the gym and youd make the weight
It would be a good, competitive fight. I don't see why it shouldn't happen. Kevin redeemed himself by beating Murray, Burns has shown he's a legitimate lightweight and a contender. It gives Ricky a decent keep-busy fight too.
To be fair mate Kevin knocked back a fight with Ricky for the interim title,so you think if ricky gets the full title kevin should just get a shot? Eithier way Ricky would beat Kevin very handily maybe even by stppage imo,kevins a smashing guy but buisness is buisness
Unless Ricky gets a shot at a full title next isn't Mitchell the next best fight for him? In terms of both challenge and selling tickets?