Seeing friends scrapping on a Saturday night is not a new experience – but it is usually after a pint too many or over a woman!

Wright and Arthur will be stone-cold sober when they go toe-to-toe next Saturday night in Newcastle and the only incentive for them is a chance to climb back up the boxing ladder.

The Hartlepool-based boxer needs a win to get himself back in the light-welterweight title frame while Arthur is looking to conquer a new division after being a world champion at super-feather.

Wright says he has no qualms about stepping into the ring and thumping a man who has been his mate for almost half his life.

"I have all the respect in the world for him as a boxer and as a friend," said the Gus Robinson star.

"I'll be very respectful with Alex when I see him and when we weigh in, but once you step through the ropes there are no friends.

"I expect nothing but the same from Alex. He'll be trying to take me out like I'll be trying to take him out.

"I think it will be a great fight. Alex is an outstanding boxer and always has been – I never ever thought we'd fight because of the difference in weight.

"We've been friends for so many years since our amateur days and whenever I've been on the same shows as him my fans have always supported him in his bout."