Big hitter: ex-world champ Alex Arthur aims to deliver a knockout blow for Alex Salmond's Alba party

The Commonwealth Games gold medallist and former WBO super featherweight boxing champion is entering the political arena for the pro-independence party and will stand as a Lothian Region list candidate.

Edinburgh-born Arthur, 42, was one of Scotland’s most successful sportsmen before establishing himself as a leading media commentator and coach.

He won gold for Scotland at the 1988 Commonwealth games before being crowned WBO super-Featherweight Champion of the world in 2007.

PIC: KATE CHANDLER / SPORT Winner: Alex Arthur at Meadowbank Stadium in 2006

The father-of-three said: “I have had the rare privilege of winning a gold medal for Scotland before reaching the top of the world in my professional career. I backed the Yes campaign in 2014 and I am joining the Alba Party as a candidate to help deliver a Super Majority for independence in the Scottish Parliament.”

“Standing on the podium in front of a Scottish Saltire was one of the proudest moments of my life. If a super featherweight world champion can help deliver a supermajority, I can’t sit on the sidelines.”

“A supermajority for Independence will energise our country, and I am proof that with hard work, inspiration and opportunity, people from across Scotland can achieve amazing things”

“As part of a supermajority of MSPs delivering Scottish independence, I will bring to the Parliament a focus on sport in our working class communities to ensure that in the recovery from the Coronavirus no young person is left behind.

Photo: Kate Chandler Arthur fighting Michael Frontin

“It is so important that we inspire the nation as we recover from the Covid pandemic, and put health and wellbeing at the centre of all our communities. I know what’s possible with hard work and inspiration.”

“There is massive talent all over Scotland and I will dedicate myself to making sure that talent has the support needed, to inspire our recovery and to maximise their potential. There are champions everywhere”

Arthur first headed to the boxing gym as a schoolboy after his father – who had been set against it – was jailed for attempted murder.

He went on to win eight professional titles, including becoming WBO World Super-Featherweight Champion in 2007. He held British, Commonwealth and European Super Featherweight belts at the same time and retired in 2013.

Hibs fan Arthur at Easter Road Pic Neil Hanna

Arthur was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to boxing.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.