Croydon light-middleweight Wayne Alexander says he is in the best shape of his career for Friday night's win-or-bust World Title showdown with bitter-rival Takaloo.

The 31-year-old former British and European champion, from Westcombe Avenue, has vowed to quit boxing if he loses the World Boxing Union title clash at Bethnall Green's York Hall.

But the prize is likely to be a lucrative shot at one of the 11-stone division's more glamorous world title belts.

Alexander told the Guardian: "I am going to be Croydon's first world champion since Duke McKenzie in 1992.

"I will quit boxing if I lose. I know I have got at least three years left in the game because I haven't been in too many wars, but that's how confident I am of beating Takaloo. There is nowhere to go for the loser."

Alexander has only fought once since losing to Delroy Mellis in December, and was put on the canvas by veteran Howard Clarke before making him his 20th victim in 22 fights.

But Takaloo, real name Mehrdud Takalobigashi, has suffered four defeats in 26 fights and lost his WBU title to Portuguese journeyman Eugenio Montero in January, just as he did last time out at world level against Daniel Santos. With both fighters' careers on the line, this fight is one of the most eagerly-awaited domestic clashes of recent times, given added edge by a two-year long war-of-words between the former sparring partners.

Takaloo said: "I believe Alexander is going to punch himself out and get knocked out. He's slow and like a robot."

Alexander has spent the past nine weeks in a Belfast training camp with new trainer John Breen, where long mountain runs and top class sparring with Jim Rock, who took Takaloo nine rounds in April last year, have restored the Croydon fighter's belief.

He said: "I feel brilliant, I am in the best shape of my career. I have put so much work in and cut no corners, so my confidence is as high as it has ever been. I know I am going to be at my best when I get in the ring."

Thursday's weigh-in aside, the talking is all but over and Alexander could see a change in the Margate fighter's demeanour at Tuesday's press conference.

He said: "I could see he is nervous now that the time has come and he should be because it's put up or shut up. He knows it's going to be the hardest fight of his life.

"It won't last six rounds. Takaloo's limited and I am going to expose him for what he really is. He's going to get knocked out. He knows deep down that I am a better boxer and a better fighter and I can't wait." Some tickets are still available. Call 01992 550888.