Wayne Alexander is hungry to make up for lost time.

It is just over a year since Hailsham-based Alexander won the European light-middleweight title and he has not fought since.

A combination of bad luck and injuries have left Alexander chomping at the bit for 12 months but now he is back.

Alexander, 29, has now given up his British and European light-middleweight belts to accept a shot at the interim WBO middleweight title against Argentinian Hector Javier Velazoo in March.

Tomorrow he warms up for that showdown with a six-rounder against old adversary, Victor Fessetchko from Ukraine, on the Anthony Farnell bill in Preston.

While Alexander is just delighted to be back, he is also anxious to fulfil his rich potential. His punching power is renowned, not to say feared, in the business. He is confident, looks the part and talks the part.

Alexander said: "It has been almost a year to the day since I won the European title. I was supposed to fight for the world title in the summer but it fell through.

"It has been frustrating but I have kept focussed knowing that one day I will be world champion.

"This should be my big year. I have the WBO interim title coming up and I am No. 1 to fight Daniel Santos.

"I will definitely be world champion this year and maybe I can make a few defences and make myself some money."

Alexander will fight for the WBO interim title while champion Harry Simon from Namibia sorts out some personal problems. If Simon is unable to return before July, which seems likely, the winner or the interim title will become world champion.

Stepping up to middleweight was not Alexander's preferred option but he could not spurn the chance to become world champion.

He said: "It was hard to turned down. I will be nominated if Harry Simon does not defend his title in the next three months. He has a mandatory defence to make. If he can't defend his title I will be upgraded to world champion and can start to defend the title.

"I believe I am as strong as any anyone around punching wise."

Alexander had a narrow points win against Fessetchko at Wembley 18 months ago. A re-match in Newcastle in December was called off at the last moment when Alexander weighed in too heavy.

Alexander added: "I am lighter now and I will be in better shape than I would have been a month ago. "It is all about getting rounds under my belt now."