Lothian training venues recommended for use during 2012 Olympics

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Four Lothian venues, including Heriot-Watt University, have been recommended to the British Olympic Committee as training facilities for the London 2012 Games.

28 of the 1000 training facilities to be listed in the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide are located in Scotland.

Organising Committee Chairman Lord Sebastian Coe said: "We said that we wanted the London Games to be for athletes and the facilities listed in this guide will really help overseas athletes prepare well.

"It also provides a great opportunity for towns throughout the UK to get involved in our plans."

Heriot-Watt University will host fencing, football, judo, tae-kwondo and wrestling training; swimming, diving and water polo training will take place at the Royal Commonwealth pool; the Peffermill National Hockey Academy will host hockey, and equestrianism will be hosted at the Scottish National Equestrian Centre.

Edinburgh South MSP Mike Pringle said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Edinburgh, with the potential to boost the economy."

Edinburgh is also set to host a world title championship next month when Alex Arthur and Joan Guzman clash at Meadowbank.

The bout will take place on 26 April, and is the first time an Edinburgh native will fight for a world title in the capital.

A spokesman for Mr Guzman claimed the fight would be “easy money”. He said: "Guzman is in another league from Arthur – I just hope that Arthur turns up."

However, super-featherweight WBO interim champion Mr Arthur is confident that he can win the title.

He said: "I'm only one step away from my dream of being a world champion and moving into boxing's top league beside guys like Joe Calzaghe.

"I recognise Guzman as my biggest ring test ever but I guarantee that I will be so motivated that anything less than my very best in the ring won't be an option."

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