Paul must KO Walsh early, warns Arthur

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY boxer Paul Appleby has been advised to be a knockout when he faces Liam Walsh for the Commonwealth super-featherweight title at London’s York Hall on Friday.

The message comes from former WBO champion Alex Arthur, who believes Walsh will retain his crown should the fight goes the distance.

Arthur claimed: “I will be absolutely delighted if Paul returns north with Walsh’s title but I think he’ll have to use his superior strength to take out Walsh within the first eight rounds.

“If it goes beyond eight, then I favour Walsh to retain his title by points decision because I’ve seen him and he’s an excellent defensive boxer.”

Defending champion Walsh opined: “Many people have said that Appleby has far greater amateur and pro ring experience than me and that’s true. I had a total of only 40 amateur bouts and this bout with Appleby will be only my twelfth paid contest. But Appleby has been in some ring wars and I think I’m fresher, which could work to my advantage during our fight.

“I’ve noted Appleby’s claim that he’s going back to his left jab to try to beat me but I’ve just studied a DVD of Appleby’s last win over Youssef Al Hamidi in March and have some ideas to counter his tactics.’’

New boxing promoter Arthur, meanwhile, is negotiating with Paisley southpaw Kevin McIntrye and Edinburgh’s Gary McMillan for a rematch on his December show at Meadowbank after McIntrye climbed of the floor after two knockdowns in round one to outpoint his opponent last month.