Wayne Alexander is stepping up a weight in a bid to rule the world.

The Hailsham-based British and European light-middleweight champion has been given a second crack at a world title.

However, he must step up to middleweight to achieve his short-term goal.

Alexander will fight for the interim WBO title against Argentinian Hector Javier Velazoo in March, with the date and venue still to be confirmed.

The holder, Namibian Harry Simon, is recovering from a car crash in which a family was killed and, with possible homicide charges hanging over him, it looks like he will have to give up the title.

The winner of the interim title showdown would be confirmed as champion in July and a first defence has already been lined up against Bert Schenk.

Alexander was expecting to challenge Daniel Santos for the WBO light-middleweight crown next month but Santos is refusing to accept the contest.

A spokesman for Alexander said: "Stepping up a weight is not the option Wayne wanted but he could be waiting until July or August to face Santos.

"He doesn't see his career as a middleweight but the Argentinian is beatable and I think he can beat Schenk as well."

Alexander will give up his British and European titles in order to step up a weight and he will fight Ukrainian Victor Fessetchko in a warm-up contest at Preston on January 18.