SCOTT QUIGG admits he was “gutted” when domestic rival Rendall Munroe dropped down to bantamweight.

British super-bantamweight champion Quigg makes the first defence of his title against Cwmbran’s Jamie Arthur (18 wins, five defeats) in the Reebok’s Premier Suite on Saturday, February 4.

Quigg (23-0) hoped Munroe would be in the opposite corner, but his Hatton Promotions stablemate has switched weight divisions, ending hopes of a fascinating battle.

Bury’s Quigg said: “I was a bit gutted when Rendall decided to move down from super-bantamweight.

“It was a big fight and, although I hold the British title, beating him would have proved that I am the number one domestically.

“Rendall had held the European title, challenged for the WBC belt and fought the very best, so I felt that I couldn’t call myself Britain’s number one until I beat him. Of course, now he has moved down I can rightfully claim to be number one in this country, having taken the British title from Jason Booth.”

Arthur, aged 31, who has not boxed since losing a split decision against Booth in February, is a former Commonwealth champion.

Twenty-three-year-old Quigg, who took the crown from Booth in October, said: “The only domestic super-bantamweights I feel can show me something in the ring are Carl Frampton and Jamie.

“He has a good pedigree and has beaten boys like Robbie Turley and Kris Hughes, who were the other guys we were looking at defending against.

“Jamie has boxed at featherweight and I will not have an advantage in size like I did against Jason.”

The Quigg-Arthur bout will be televised on Sky Sports.

The boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets will cost £35, £55 and £75 for VIP ringside.

Tickets are available by calling 01925 755222, Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2500, Ticketline on 0844 888 9991 or online at hattonboxing.com