SCOTT Quigg will take on Jamie Arthur in the first defence of his British super-bantamweight title – after Rendall Munroe turned down the chance to face the rising Bury star.

Welshman Arthur has come out of retirement for the clash at the Reebok’s Premier Suite on February 4.

The fight was originally offered to Munroe, but the 31-year-old former British, Commonwealth and European number one has decided to move down to bantamweight instead.

Unbeaten Quigg will now face Arthur, aged 31, who hung up his gloves in April after losing his Commonwealth belt to Jason Booth. Quigg defeated Booth in spectacular fashion in October to be crowned domestic champion.

And the 23-year-old will give Arthur his third British title shot, with the Commonwealth gold medallist failing on both previous occasions.

“It will be a tougher fight than Booth but that’s what I want,” said Quigg. “Arthur is an experienced and dangerous fighter. He has fallen just short before in trying to win British titles but he is never in a bad fight.

“There were easier opponents out there but what’s the point? This is a fight that will improve me because he brings something new to the table. These are the type of fights I want and, if I can’t win them, then I’m kidding myself if I think I can go further.”

Quigg is rated third in the WBA and IBF world rankings – but insists he is not ready to make the step up in class yet.

“In another 18 months I’ll be ready for a world-title shot,” he said. “The European title is next and will definitely face Carl Frampton, who has the Commonwealth belt, in 2012.” Tickets are priced at £35, £55 and £75 which can be purchased on 01925 755 222.