Capital boxer Alex Arthur Jnr is tailor-made for the professional game
Alex Arthur Jnr says he is full of contentment since leaving the amateurs for the professional ranks last year.
The 24-year-old will contest his fifth bout tomorrow night at Perth Concert Hall, aiming to preserve his 100 per cent record since a debut victory over Robbie Chapman 16 months ago.
The eldest son of former world super featherweight champion, Alex Snr, Arthur is happy with the steady progress made as he plots his ascent up the super middleweight ladder.
This weekend he goes glove-to-glove with veteran Englishman Grant Dennis, an experienced operator who, at 42, has racked up 21 victories from 43 professional contests.
Arthur admits he hasn't thought twice about the amateur ranks since signing for Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions in March 2025.
"As a pro you've got a lot more time to take things day by day," Arthur told the Evening News. "It's not as hectic as the amateurs. In tournaments you could be boxing one day then somebody else the next. I think I've also been a lot more disciplined these past 18 months than when I was in the amateurs.
"But I also feel a lot more relaxed. I feel at peace being alone, content at knowing what I am doing. As an amateur, I was in Glasgow a lot and you were constantly around a lot of coaches who are all telling you different things. To be honest, I didn't really enjoy it and am glad to have moved on to the next chapter in my boxing career.
"I now need to be in shape all year round because you might get just three weeks' notice for a fight. So, I'm constantly fit, healthy, and just content. But I can switch off completely from boxing when I need to and relax. I have a good balance."
Arthur hasn't fought since he obliterated Owen Kirk after just 30 seconds at the Hydro in Glasgow in April. Prior to that, his previous outing was in November. The Capital fighter has been frustrated though by his time spent out of the ring recently, but is predicting a big end to 2026.
"It has been really frustrating having this big gap, particularly because I dismantled my last opponent so I've only really had about 30 seconds of activity this year," he explained. "In an ideal world I would have had a week's rest after my last fight, gone back to the gym and then had another fight within a few weeks.
"But unfortunately that's just not the way things work now in boxing as fighters aren't kept as active. It's not ideal but as long as you keep performing and knocking people out, then I'll be up there soon enough. The super middleweight division in the UK is wide open just now so hopefully I'll be knocking on the door for a title with any chance that comes my way.
"I was told at the end of my last fight that there was a chance I'd be fighting at the end of June. So, I stayed in the gym but was then told that I wouldn't be boxing again until after the summer. So, I went on holiday to Crete with my girlfriend for 10 days. Shortly after I got back I heard I'd be fighting this weekend. I have been told I will be out again before the end of the year which is exciting."
Arthur will once again be joined in his corner by dad, Alex Snr, who has studied every inch of his opponent.
On facing Dennis, Arthur added: "I've got a tough opponent to overcome. He's had over 40 fights and has won 50 per cent of them. He's a different outlook and he'll be a different puzzle for me to figure out. As soon as we caught wind of who I'd be facing my dad was on the case straight away. He always finds out a wee bit before me and does his research.
"I just love fighting, it doesn't always need to be on a big show. I believe in my ability. I know I'm going to be headlining my own shows, hopefully in Edinburgh, so I'm excited for every fight and just building towards that. I want to create my own legacy. I know my dad achieved a lot in the sport but I want to write my own story. I'm determined to make it right to the top."