FORMER world champion Alex Arthur believes the result of this weekend’s British and Commonwealth title clash between Lee McGregor and Kash Farooq is impossible to predict, such is the competitiveness of the fight.

The pair meet in an all-Scottish clash at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow and it has been compared to some of Arthur’s all-Scottish clashes against the likes of Willie Limond, Craig Docherty and Ricky Burns.

And Arthur, who will be commentating on the fight for the BBC, agrees that this is one of the most intriguing fights he has come across in recent times.

“I honestly believe this is the most competitive Scottish fight since I fought Willie Limond – and the reason I say Limond and not Craig Docherty or Ricky Burns is that it was pretty much accepted that the winner between Willie Limond and myself was going onto bigger and better things. And I think that’s the same in this fight,” the 41-year-old said.

“I swear, I don’t have a clue who’s going to win. For the first time in so long, I’m not able to pick a winner.”

When McGregor entered the professional ranks, there was much hype about how far the Edinburgh fighter could go.

But with Arthur having watched Farooq closely in his recent outings, he is clear who he thinks has been more impressive.

“I’ve commentated on Kash’s last three fights and every time he fights, he gets better and better and I’ve been thinking, where has this kid come from?!

“He’s started to look a bit like a Mexican fighter in his style, he’s been absolutely brilliant. His body shots are fantastic, his timing is impeccable and he puts himself in positions where he’s able to evade his opponents attacks but he can still attack them back – he’s been so impressive.

“Lee is the potential super-star, that’s how he’s been talked about. He’s definitely got the star potential but his last few performances, in my opinion, haven’t been as impressive as Kash’s.

“So how can you make a prediction based on that – it’s too hard?! It’s the most 50-50 fight that I’ve come across for a British title in ages.”

McGregor talked earlier in the week about how he thinks the winner of this fight is likely to go onto a tilt at the European title, possibly even in their next fight. And Arthur agrees that there are big things ahead for whoever emerges victorious on Saturday.

“This is the tightest big Scottish fight there’s been for years – but it’s hugely important for whoever wins it,” he said.

“I think whoever wins this is going onto big things and I don’t think it’ll take long either. I think, whoever wins this will go on to big things really soon.”

Arthur also had some word of praise for his former pupil, Josh Taylor, who defeated Regis Prograis a fortnight ago to give him the Muhammad Ali trophy as well as the unified WBA, IBF and The Ring belts.

Taylor began boxing in Arthur’s gym and the former super featherweight was, he admitted, thrilled to see his friend put on such an impressive show two weeks ago. And he believes the sky is now the limit for Taylor.

“I’m so delighted for him. It was a great performance and it’s remarkable what he’s done,” said Arthur.

“I think there’s some really, really big fights waiting for him now. I don’t think they’ll necessarily happen straight away but that’s fine. I think he might fight a British fighter or someone like that next, just to get a defence in. and when you look at the last few guys he’s fought, I think that would be completely fair enough. But it’s been absolutely amazing stuff from him – and let’s hope he can keep it up and keep winning for Scotland, I’ve no doubt he will.”