Arthur faces toughest test but promises a good fight

The 25-year-old from Highfield, who honed his skills under fellow professional fighter and coach Denniston ‘Mad Max’ Sutherland, will face Alan Philpott on Saturday in a battle for the World Bantamweight Title.

Northern Ireland’s Philpott, who is on a three-fight winning streak, is ranked slightly ahead of undefeated Arthur.

“He is a good all round MMA fighter. It is going to be a good fight,” said Arthur. “It is definitely my toughest test but it will bring the best out of me.”

Arthur, who recently achieved his blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, also trains under Dean Amasinger from NFM Windsor, Vlijter Cornell and Leo Jaque.

He said: “You just have to stay sharp everywhere. I don’t like staying in the same place, doing the same thing.”

He is sponsored by ASW Scaffolding Ltd, JW Brickworks, CITE Construction and Booster Fight Gear.

Saturday’s Bamma 20 fight night will be broadcast live on television under a new deal with Spike TV and it is likely that Arthur’s bout will attract screen time. The show will be presented by former world heavyweight boxing champ David Haye.