Alex Arthur : Who should he defend his "title" against?

Question

As we all know, Guzman moved up to lightweight and Arthur was installed as the WBO's "Champion". So who should Warren go after for his first defence? Try and make it a realistic opponent (not Pac-Man of JMM who would've had bigger fish to fry even if they stayed at superfeatherweight), but one who could help him gain credibility.

I'd suggest Robert Guerrero, former featherweight world champ. He's looking to make his début at superfeatherweight and would probably like to get another belt quickly. Arthur could also get a little exposure to the other side of the Atlantic. Guerrero is a real fighter, he's no Stephen foster, so this is risky , but if Arthur thinks he can be a real force he has to fight this caliber of fighter sooner or later.

Answer 1

Good question.  I like the idea of a Robert Guerrero fight since Robert is giving up his featherweight title in hopes of winning one at super featherweight.  I think that It would be a good, winnable fight for both men, and all of the reasons that you mentioned show why that it would be a good match.  Skimming through the Ring Magazine top 10, here are some other realistic fights that I would like to see Athur possibly take:

Edwin Valero- he's the WBA titleholder and has all of his fights/wins by knockout, yet he is fairly unknown due to his not being able to fight in most parts of the U.S. because of an injury.  Fighting Arthur in either England or the U.S. would get both fighters much more exposure, and now that Valero is licensed in Texas, maybe other states will follow.

Rocky Juarez- it gives Juarez another chance at a world title and it would be a good name to have on Arthur's record because Juarez is very well-known in the U.S. due to his fights with Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Cassius Baloyi- he's the IBF titleholder although he is also not that well-known.  It would be a chance to clear up the division now that Pacquiao (the true champion) is moving up to lightweight.

Jorge Barrios- he's always entertaining and he used to own the title that Arthur currently has, but he lost it to Joan Guzman.  It would be a chance for Barrios to regain his old belt and it would be a good defense for Arthur against a noteable name.

Humberto Soto- he's fighting this Saturday for the interim WBC title, which will become the full title now that Pacquiao is going to vacate and move up.  It would be another chance to clear up the division and try and determine who is the new best super featherweight in the world now that Pacquiao, Guzman, and Marquez are all moving up to lightweight.