Croydon light-middleweight Wayne Alexander has taken to the mean streets of Belfast to prepare for an explosive autumn World Title showdown with Takaloo.

The 31-year-old former British and European champion, from Westcombe Avenue, will take on his former sparring partner turned bitter rival in one of the most eagerly-awaited domestic clashes of recent times.

The date has yet to be announced, but the deal has been signed and a televised bout for the World Boxing Union's vacant title is expected to take place in late September, probably at the York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Alexander was set to fight the 28-year-old Margate fighter in May, but a knee injury forced his withdrawal, prompting Takaloo to claim his rival was a "bottle-job".

Now Frank Warren has sent Alexander off to Belfast for two months to train at the John Breen gym, which produced world light-welterweight champion Eamon Magee, and prepare for the biggest fight of his career.

He is living in the notorious Shankhill area in West Belfast, and runs the Falls Road every morning with a local marathon runner.

His host Nick Hughes said: "He's becoming a hero here to be honest, people have really taken to him. He's away from the distractions of home and in two weeks I have never seen a fighter transform so much. He's a world class fighter and you will see a new Wayne Alexander when he gets back in the ring."

With 33 career knockouts in 44 fights between them, the meeting of the 11 stone division's big hitters guarantees fireworks, and months of verbal sparring gives the clash a real edge.

Takaloo claims to have knocked Alexander out when they were stable mates under Jimmy Tibbs.

Alexander said: "Whenever we sparred together it was like he was fighting for the world title. One day he caught me with a big right hand and put me down. But a couple of days later I gave him a real hiding and Jimmy (Tibbs) had to stop the sparring.

"Since then it seems to be his claim to fame, but we will see who is boasting after the fight."

Both men have suffered shock defeats this year and will be looking to get their careers back on track.

Alexander has only fought once since losing to Delroy Mellis in December, and was put on the canvass by Howard Clark before making him his 20th victim in 22 fights.

Takaloo, real name Mehrdud Takalobigashi, has suffered four defeats in 26 fights and lost his WBU title to Portuguese journeyman Eugenio Montero in January, just as he did last time he stepped up to world level to face Daniel Santos.

He has been training at New York's famous Gleason's Gym where heavyweight stable-mate Danny Williams is preparing for his July 30 bout with Mike Tyson.

Alexander also wished to pass on his condolences to the family of Croydon resident Tony Hedgecock, who passed away last week.

He said: "Tony was my biggest fan and I wish he could have been there when I lift the title, but I after I knock Takaloo out, I will dedicate it to him."