Wayne Alexander's bid to rule the world is bang on course.

The Hailsham-based light-middleweight has the chance to add the European title to his British crown when he takes on Italian Paolo Pizzamiglio at York Hall, Bethnal Green, tomorrow.

The next step would be a second shot at a world title but Alexander is in no immediate rush.

Alexander, 28, said: "I am confident of beating him. I have always wanted to win the old fashioned titles: the Southern Area, the British, the European. That is the proper way to go.

"Hopefully I can get a defence or two of the European title and then a world title fight later in the year."

When Alexander fought Harry Simon for the WBO world title at 48 hours' notice last February, he put up a highly impressive display despite losing in five rounds.

As British champion, he rightly considers himself the best of an 11st 7lb division in this country which is brimming with talent.

Among his rivals are WBU champion Takaloo, Commonwealth title-holder Richard Williams plus rising stars Steve Roberts, Anthony Farnell and Gary 'The Rocket' Lockett but Alexander rejects claims he has to lay down the gauntlet to them tomorrow night.

He said: "I have got nothing to prove. I am British champion and I am the one they have got to impress.

"To be honest, I am looking at bigger and better than that. I will be looking to defend the European title against a European fighter and then go for the world title."

Standing in Alexander's way for the vacant European title is Pizzamiglio, a 30-year-old former national champion from Piacenza. He has failed in previous bids for both the European and WBU titles and has a moderate record of 32 fights and four losses.

Pizzamiglio has also shown that he can be stopped and that will play into the hands of the Hailsham man, who is regarded as possibly the best pound-for-pound puncher in Britain.

Alexander, who demolished Scotsman Joe Townsley when defending his British title in November, has respect for tomorrow's opponent but is rightly confident he can improve his own 17-1 record.

He said: "He is a tall, upright boxer and a counter puncher. He has a got a sharp jab and had been a pro for ten years.

"He fought for the European title this time last year and lost in eight rounds. He has a lot of experience.

"This is the first time I have had to seriously train for a fight during Christmas but the sacrifice will be worth it when I am announced European champion.

"The title has a great history and it will be an honour to have my name added to the list of fighters who have held the belt. Hopefully I can win it and then defend it along with my British title at some point.

"Beating Pizzamiglio for the title will assure me of a high world ranking with the different organisations. I will then look to challenge for a world title. The names I am gunning for are Oscar de la Hoya, Fernando Vargas and Winky Wright."

Alexander is already a big pull with television bosses and with a second title under his belt he would be an even bigger attraction. It is not surprising some of his domestic challengers are so keen to fight him.

Farnell, who steps up to middleweight for his next fight in February, has had a long running war of words with Alexander and is still keen to fight him.

Farnell, who lost to Takaloo last year, said: "I'd still like the Wayne Alexander fight because I just don't like him."

Lockett, who takes on Australia's Kevin Kelley for the vacant Commonwealth title in Manchester on February 9, is also keen for a showdown.

The Welshman's 100 per cent record from 15 fights includes 12 victories inside the distance. He said: "Wayne is a murderous puncher but a lot of people can also see he doesn't take a very good shot on the whiskers himself.

"I've got a very good chin and with my sharp, counter-punching style I'm confident I would come out on top if we met."

This may be big talk but at York Hall tomorrow night Alexander can prove actions speak louder than words.