World title eliminator a big carrot for Quigg

Scott Quigg is being lined up for a world title eliminator if he successfully defends his British super-bantamweight title against Jamie Arthur this weekend.

The unbeaten Bury fighter is ranked third in the latest IBF and WBA ratings, far higher than any of his domestic rivals.

Hatton Promotions Director of Boxing Richard Poxon is in talks with various global contacts for a bout that could see Quigg become a mandatory challenger for a world title.

Quigg, 23, insists the chances of mixing it with some of the 122lb division’s best will help him focus even more on his 12 round clash against Arthur at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Saturday (Feb 4).

He said: “There is no danger of taking my eyes away from Arthur. If I cannot beat him it will be a struggle to reach the level I believe I can.

“Whoever has been in with Jamie knows they have been in a fight. There is no quit in him.

“I watched his fight against Martin Lindsay and after two rounds it looked like he wouldn’t get to halfway, yet he was still in there fighting back for the full 12 rounds.

“I am very confident that I have got the tools to best him, but he has experience at championship level.

“I know how hungry I was to win the British title when the Jason Booth chance came and I am sure Jamie will have stepped up another gear in training.

“I have been in that position and I think it is harder keeping titles than winning them.”

Cuban sensation Guillermo Rigondeaux currently holds the WBA crown while South African Takalani Ndlovu is wearing the IBF strap. Hatton Promotions head Ricky Hatton added: “There is no shortage of options for Scott at the highest level, but first he has a tough assignment this weekend.”