Croydon's world light middleweight boxing champion Wayne Alexander will finally be making his long awaited return to the ring in March to defend his world title on a prestigious bill in Manchester.

The 32-year-old has been out of the ring for seven months since his fifth round knock-out victory over Christian Blaht in June. Alexander now has the chance to resume his career with a bout against 25-year-old Manchester fighter Thomas McDonagh as part of the Joe Calzaghi versus Jeff Lacy bill at the MEN Arena on Saturday, March 4.

In what could be a defining year for the Croydon fighter Alexander is hoping a win against WBU champion McDonagh could see him pitted against a top American fighter for a chance to gain bigger exposure and a shot at one of the major world boxing belts.

But Alexander is now solely focused on the upcoming fight and is delighted to be back in the limelight facing up to the challenge of fighting an opponent on their home turf.

Alexander said: "I'm looking forward to it very much.

"It's been a long while since my last fight but I'm fighting a young fighter in his own back yard and I want to be the first to beat him."

Alexander will be the favourite going into the fight but he is well aware of the danger his opponent possesses.

Alexander said: "He's a tall, rangy and quite elusive fighter, whose been the 12 round distance twice before so he's a fit guy.

"But he hasn't fought anyone of real note yet so I will be his biggest challenge."

As part of his preparation for the fight Alexander flew to his training camp in Belfast where he will spend all his time between now and the fight.

He recently began his extensive training, which involves vigorous sparring practice and painstaking uphill runs across the mountains of South Omagh.

His dedication to the fight will mean he will not be able to see his three-year-old daughter Sadie until after the bout.

Alexander revealed that his boxing future will be based on providing a living for both himself and his daughter after his career finishes.

Alexander added: "I've got a plan for three years to secure me and my daughter Sadie's future.

"That's hopefully 12 fights in three years. Hopefully I'll be able to secure her future forever.

"It's going to be really hard to be away from her for eight weeks but I'm doing this for her, hopefully when she is older she will appreciate it."