Alex Arthur, the former World Boxing Organisation super-featherweight champion, yesterday launched a stinging two-pronged attack on two of his rivals, Nick Cook and Michael Gomez.

The 30-year-old Edinburgh boxer hit back at both fighters after expressing disappointment at the former's failure to agree to a world title rematch and the latter's latest abusive remarks aimed at him.

Arthur accused Cook of running scared, before turning his attention to Gomez in the wake of the Irish-born fighter's tirade at the weigh-in for his bout at Motherwell last night when he labelled the ex-champion a "p****" and poured scorn on Arthur's religious beliefs.

Gomez, who is based in Manchester, stopped the Scot inside five rounds at Meadowbank in October 2003 and he believes that a rematch would prove hugely popular with fight fans.

Arthur is not in any rush to resume hostilities with his nemesis, though, after expressing a desire to win back the world crown from Cook, whose unanimous points win in Manchester five weeks ago came as a surprise.

Arthur believes he is unlikely to be granted his wish, claiming: "I don't think Cook wants to fight me because he knows I would knock him out next time.

"The reason I lost was inactivity and I think he is frightened of me. I used to have respect for Cook because I regarded him as a solid stand-up professional and a good champion. But I have come to the conclusion that he is a bottler.

"I was man enough to go to England after 10 months out of the ring to give Cook his chance and I expected him to return the favour. But, while a rematch makes perfect logic, I suspect that isn't going to happen, so my only option is to move up to lightweight."

On Gomez, Arthur said: "He's been telephoning me quite regularly calling for a rematch and being abusive at the same time. But he is just trying to generate self-publicity.

"I'm not really interested in what Gomez has to say. I'm waiting to hear back from my promoter, Frank Warren to find out in which direction my career is headed."