A COMMONWEALTH Games boxing gold medallist and former WBO champion of the world is to enter the political ring as an Alba Party candidate for the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.
Days after the launch of Alba, the party has started to unveil what it promises will be an impressive slate of new candidates across Scotland.
Alex Arthur is the latest big hitter to join the ranks of the Alba Party, and was one of Scotland’s most successful sportsmen, before establishing himself as a media commentator and coach to young athletes.
He won a gold medal for Scotland at the 1988 Commonwealth games, before being crowned WBO super-featherweight champion of the world in 2007.
The Alba Party say that Arthur brings a focus on the need to invest in grassroots sports and health in Scotland’s communities, as a vital part of recovery from the Covid pandemic.
Arthur will contest the Scottish Parliament elections in the Lothian Region.
Commenting on joining the Alba Party, Arthur said: “I have had the rare privilege of winning a gold medal for Scotland before reaching the top of the world in my professional career. I backed the Yes campaign in 2014 and I am joining the Alba Party as a candidate to help deliver a supermajority for independence in the Scottish Parliament.
“Standing on the podium in front of a Scottish Saltire was one of the proudest moments of my life. If a super-featherweight world champion can help deliver a supermajority, I can’t sit on the sidelines.
“A supermajority for independence will energise our country, and I am proof that with hard work, inspiration and opportunity, people from across Scotland can achieve amazing things."
READ MORE: Alex Salmond has achieved his first aim with Alba but the main goal is a tall order
Arthur said that his focus outside of independence will be bringing sport to Scotland's working-class communities to ensure that "no young person is left behind" in the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
He added: “It is so important that we inspire the nation as we recover from the Covid pandemic, and put health and wellbeing at the centre of all our communities. I know what’s possible with hard work and inspiration.
“There is massive talent all over Scotland and I will dedicate myself to making sure that talent has the support needed, to inspire our recovery and to maximise their potential. There are champions everywhere”
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