Wayne denied Farnell clash

Farnell, a stablemate of bill-topper Ricky Hatton, was exposed as a predictable, one-paced brawler by cute Brummie novice, Wayne Elcock. The 29-year old, with only ten fights behind him prior to Saturday's huge event at the M.E.N Arena, won a landslide unanimous decision over 12 rounds.

But the result comes as a bitter blow to Alexander, from Hailsham, who was looking forward to a bumper pay-day against the Manchester fighter at Maine Road in July.

'It would have been a career-best pay day. A big occasion with two big rivals fighting each other - it would have been great,' said Wayne.

'Farnell was blowing hard after the fifth round and he admitted that he'd only trained for four weeks instead of his usual eight to nine weeks.

'I've always said that Farnell's very limited and I was looking forward to exposing him but Elcock got there first. There's now talk that I'll box Elcock. To be honest, I'm still not sure that my future will be at middleweight but it's a fight I'll take. The only fight at middleweight that I'd insist on a couple of warm ups for would be Howard Eastman.'

Ironically, Wayne was installed as the number one contender for Eastman's European crown on Wednesday, so a contest between the pair could be in the pipeline. However, he knows he must now concentrate on his forthcoming world title contest at Bethnal Green's York Hall on May 8 when he challenges for the WBO 'interim' title against rugged Argentinean, Hector Velazco.

It's Wayne's first championship contest at middleweight having previously held British and European titles at the 11-stone light-middleweight limit.

However, his frustration at waiting for a title shot in the lower weight class has forced him to continue his career in the 11-stone-six division.

'I was number one contender to fight Daniel Santos for the WBO title, but his promotional problems with Frank Warren meant that I could have been waiting another six months to a year to get my shot,' said Wayne.

'That's why I made the decision to move up to middleweight because I saw opportunities there, and because I wanted to fight more regularly. I've now been given a chance to fight for the interim title.

'I've still not seen the guy I'm supposed to be fighting, but as long as he's not Carlos Monzon I'm sure I'll be alright!'

Velazco is a teak-tough Argentinean with 28 wins from 31 contests, but Wayne's power makes him a strong favourite.

Victory for the Hailsham man would open the doors to an array of big money opportunities.

The winner of the contest has to face the full WBO champion, Harry Simon, if the Namibian recovers from injuries sustained in a horrific car crash. Should that fail to materialise then the winner will be automatically crowned the full world champion and will meet German, Bert Schenk in a first defence. After that, the world could be Wayne's oyster with a name your price clash against the world recognised top dog at the weight, Bernard Hopkins.

However, don't bet against Wayne moving back down to pursue major honours in the 11-stone light-middleweight division.