Fight fans from all over the soo-side made fast track to the Kelvin Hall to watch Alex ‘King’ Arthur retain his European super-featherweight title against tough Spanish puncher Sergio Pasloma with a fifth round stoppage.

Top boxing promoter Frank Warren believes ‘King’ Arthur’s third successful title defence has given Scottish boxing a much needed boost. Will we see again the likes of Benny Lynch and Jim Watt said, Warren, ‘Scottish boxing has had a great night and there is no doubt Alex could win a world title.’

Scotland’s gladiator-in-gloves dominated the fight from the first bell and in spite of the Spaniard fighting like a lion, it was obvious that the continental could not continue for very long because of the punching-power of the Edinburgh-born fighter.

Half-way through the fifth round, the referee decided the Spanish challenger was unable to take any further punishment. It was a very important night for ‘King’ Arthur because this was the first time he had appeared live on national TV since the Commonwealth Final in 1998.

When asked to comment he said, ‘To perform like this on tv against an undefeated guy was quite brilliant. Hopefully, I will be known everywhere and not just in Scotland.’ Frank Warren added, ‘I can guarantee Alex a world title fight.’ The English promoter then made a slip-of-the-tongue that was a knock-out. ‘I would like to see Alex in the ring at Glasgow Castle.’ He then shook his head and quickly said, ‘I mean, of course, Edinburgh Castle!’