Scottish boxer Alex Arthur has put his career and potential world title fight on hold after doctors advised him to take a rest.

The Edinburgh fighter was scheduled for an October comeback fight at lightweight after being out of the ring since his September defeat to Nicky Cook.

But after a meeting with his doctor the former WBO super-featherweight champion was advised to take a step back due to a lack of energy.

He said: “The doctors have told me to take a long rest and forget boxing competitively in the meantime.

"It's a big blow as I was only a couple of bouts away from a world title shot or at the very least an eliminator.

"I'd like to think my absence from the ring will be measured in weeks rather than months because, being 31, I've got to try to accelerate my chances of a world title bid before it is too late."

Meanwhile, Motherwell light-welterweight Barry Morrison faces a career defining fight at York Hall in Bethnal Green tonight when he fights Lenny Daws.

A win will regain him the British title for the second time but defeat may force him into retirement.

His manager Tommy Gilmour said: “It is not too dramatic to suggest that this is a last chance fight for both boxers, given that there are so many other candidates waiting in the wings.”