THE career of popular Margate fighter Takaloo has been plunged into doubt, following his brutal second round knockout by Croydon’s Wayne Alexander at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Friday night.

The 28-year-old's hopes of regaining the WBU light-middleweight title were shattered when he was on the receiving end of a spectacular left hook which left him unconscious, and in need of medical attention. Fight experts described the punch as “one of the best ever seen in a British ring”.

Fortunately for his watching friends and family at ringside,Takaloo soon recovered and was able to leave the ring unaided. He plans a two-week holiday with his family, before deciding on his next move.

However, Takaloo’s trainer Jim McDonnell is convinced the Thanet boxer still has a future, with a possible re-match on the cards.

McDonnell said: “He’s fine, obviously disappointed with a broken heart, but not broken spirit. The game plan we had for the first round went well, and I wanted him to get through the first three or four and concentrate on body shots.

"Then Takaloo got cut, and Alexander produced an unbelievable punch, but it could so easily have been the other way round. It’s a new experience for Takaloo, and it’s really all about how he deals with it psychologically, but it’s not the end of the world.”

The fight between the two former sparring partners was labelled a “grudge match”, after the pair fell out three years ago, and Takaloo made the better start and took the opening round.

He started the second well with a left hook to the ribs, and then landed two uppercuts, which had Alexander on the defensive. Another left hook to the body by Takaloo had Alexander crouching, but he got up to land the perfect left hook to end the contest.

McDonnell added: “Alexander was urging Takaloo not to quit afterwards, saying he really hurt him. I think he could go for the British title, and if he wins, they could meet again."