Like father, like fighter: Alex Arthur Jnr set to recreate dad's big-night moment 25 years later
Alex Arthur Jnr is set to follow in dad – and former world champion – Alex Snr's footsteps this weekend.
The 24-year-old is boxing on the undercard of compatriot Willy Hutchinson's world light heavyweight duel with Joshua Buatsi at the Manchester Arena tomorrow night.
Alex Snr fought at that exact venue 25 years ago in September 2001, defeating Russian Dmitry Gorodetsky in his sixth professional bout.
And, on Saturday night, undefeated son, Alex Jnr, will be hoping to maintain his perfect record when he contests his sixth pro bout against Costa Rica's Jose Aguirre over six rounds.
"My dad only told me about this a fortnight or so ago," super middleweight Alex Jnr told the Evening News. "It's quite funny I am following in his footsteps. It will probably hit my dad more when we get in there, he'll maybe retrace what happened that night he fought down there all those years ago. If I can go on to achieve what he did his career then I'll be over the moon.
"To be honest, from the minute I found out the Willy rematch was happening, I was just hoping and praying I would get the opportunity to fight on this card.
"We had a couple of pull outs so he (Aguirre) is not the first option and is a late replacement. I was originally supposed to be fighting someone from down that way, a guy with a good record, but he pulled out after a week and they replaced him with a Mexican. However, he took a daft fight two weeks ago and got stopped, so he isn't allowed to fight me anymore.
"So, we've had to settle on this guy, but he's someone who likes to come and have a go, so it will be a good chance for me to showcase my ability and give people a different outlook of what I can do.
"It doesn't change a lot for me having a change in opponents. I'm totally focused on what I am doing on fight night, not who I'm boxing. I think having had a good amateur career behind me really helps because quite often at these competitions abroad you don't find out who you are facing until the day of the fight. As long as you prepare properly, your fit and healthy, you should be able to perform.
"Camp has been really good. It's been a quick turnaround from my previous fight. I went away on holiday the day after my last one in September so it was good to have some downtime, eat nice food and soak up the nice weather.
"But on the last day of the holiday, my dad sent me a screenshot of the poster of the Willy v Buatsi fight and said I was going to be fighting on the undercard. I was ecstatic so I knew what I was coming back to and got straight back in the gym."
Alex Jnr has enjoyed a prosperous 2026 with two victories to his name already this year. Without looking too far ahead, he is plotting a successful 2027 where he hopes to be in title contention. However, there was a stark reminder earlier this week of the dangers of professional sport following the death of Tenerife footballer, Jesus de Miguel, after the striker collided with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
"It's heartbreaking when you see and hear things like that happen," Alex Jnr said. "When it's this close to a fight, you try to keep feeding your mind with good things. But it's a real reminder though that professional sport can be dangerous, particularly boxing. You have to be grateful for being in such good health because it can be quickly taken away from you at any given time. You don't know what the next hour holds. It's devastating.
"But I want to look ahead to my future. I want to challenge for a title, perhaps this time next year. I think I'm more than capable of fighting for a Scottish, Celtic, or Commonwealth title now, but I know that maybe isn't the best way to go about things. I want to do things properly and I've got a very good team around me. As long as I stay focused then everything will fall into place."
Alex Jnr did find some time away from the gym - and his final preparations - to cheer Hibs on in last weekend's Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory over city rivals Hearts. And while dad Alex Snr, and younger brother Machlan, were at Hampden for the occasion, Alex Jnr made the hard, but sensible decision, to watch the game from the comfort of his own home.
"I didn't go because it was just too close to the fight," he explained. "I watched it on TV so I was delighted to see Hibs get through. It made it all the more sweeter beating Hearts. My dad and Machlan had a great time at the game, obviously! But I will definitely be going to the final against Rangers next month. I wouldn't miss that!"