Croydon's Wayne Alexander hammered his way back into the big-time on Friday night when a thunderous left-hook ended his feud with Takaloo after just two rounds.

The 31-year-old from Westcome Avenue had promised to retire if 28-year-old Takaloo beat him to claim the vacant World Boxing Union light-middleweight title at Bethnal Green's York Hall.

But a chilling one-punch finish after one minute and 52 seconds of round two ended the four-year war-of-words and should now propel Alexander to world level and a shot at one of the more recognised belts.

After a cagey first round between the former sparring partners, Alexander had just taken the ascendancy with a flurry of head shots when the Margate fighter caught him with a left under the ribs.

Sensing victory as Alexander backed off, Takaloo went for the kill, throwing and missing several times before winding up a big left to the body.

Both fighters coiled ready to pounce, but it was the Croydon man who delivered a concussive left-hook to the point of his rival's chin.

Before Takaloo hit the deck in spectacular fashion, Alexander had already turned to referee Mickey Vann in celebration. There was no getting up from that punch.

Wayne told the Guardian: "He hurt me with a body shot so I backed off. I saw him coming on trying to finish me, so I threw the left hook. I knew as soon as it landed he was out. It was such a great feeling."

The severity of the blow, which sent Takaloo's bloody eyes skywards, prompted fears for his health, but medics were soon on hand and Alexander could celebrate with 100 or so fans from Croydon.

He said: "That has to be the best punch I have ever thrown, and I have thrown some good ones." The victory completes a remarkable turnaround for the former British and European champion whose career looked over in December when he was knocked out by journeyman Delroy Mellis.

The newly crowned WBU champion improves his record to 21 wins (17 by KO) and two defeats, and can look forward to a bright future, while Takaloo questions his. Alexander also revealed that his quit threat was all about intimidating his opponent.

He said: "I was so confident I would win that I could say I would retire, but I wouldn't have, I have got another two or three years left in the game.

"I did say to Takaloo after the fight that if I had lost I would not have retired. I said you are a good fighter, so keep it up and don't retire either."

Wayne dedicated the knockout to Tony Hedgecock who passed away earlier this year.

He added: "Tony would have been here tonight and this one's for him."