Lyndon Arthur targets IBO title after outscoring late replacement Boris Crighton
- Liam Hampton
- 25 March 2023
Lyndon Arthur secured a shot at the vacant IBO light-heavyweight title after defeating short notice replacement Boris Crighton in Bolton.
Arthur was originally due to face Braian Nahuel Suarez for the vacant title. However, plans changed as the Argentine failed his pre-fight medical and Scotland's Crighton was drafted in on 36 hours' notice.
The pair had previously sparred on several occasions but the change of opponent and style so late in the day led to a cagey performance from Arthur.
A right hand from Crighton staggered Arthur in the third as the Scot followed up with a barrage of punches, looking for a huge upset victory.
Arthur regained his composure and then control of the fight, firing off his right hand behind a piston like jab to control the distance and pace of the contest.
A cut beneath the left eye of Crighton was a clear target for Arthur and by the ninth round the challenger was unable to see "King Arthur's" shots coming.
Stamping his authority on a tough short notice bout, Arthur dropped Crighton late in the tenth round to leave no doubt he would be victorious.
The bout was scored 98-92, 99-91 and 96-93, giving Arthur a unanimous decision victory.
Speaking to IFL TV after the bout, Arthur was brutally honest about his performance.
"I probably underperformed a touch, he's only lost one [fight] he's coming in on 24 hours' notice, he's getting ready for a fight anyway, it was a good little run out."
After the final bell rang, former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew weighed in on Twitter with his thoughts.
"I think that knockdown has won him the fight! I can't believe he has waited until round 9 and 10 to commit to the right hand! hope he learns from this cos he is a good fighter Lyndon who I wanna see progress".
Whether he takes that advice or not, Arthur will now turn his attention to capturing the vacant IBO light-heavyweight title.
