Boxing: Arthur fears Cook will avoid title rematch

Former world super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur yesterday accused Nicky Cook of running scared of him after revealing that he has all but given up hope of a rematch.

Arthur, surprisingly beaten by Essex's Cook last month following a lengthy absence from the ring, believes he is entitled to a chance to regain the WBO crown.

The Edinburgh fighter said: "I used to have a lot of respect for Cook because I thought he was a solid stand-up guy, but lately I have started to think he is a bottler.

If I am to be denied a rematch my only option is to move up to lightweight."