Wayne Alexander made a winning return to the ring and then declared his desire for another crack at a world title.

Hailsham-based Alexander took a 77-76 points decision over Ukrainian Victor Fessetchko at Wembley Conference Centre on Saturday.

It was his first fight since losing to Namibia's Harry Simon while challenging for the WBO light-middleweight crown, a fight which he took at 24 hours' notice.

That world title showdown in February enhanced Alexander's standing in the sport but also left him nursing two broken hands.

In his return to the ring in Saturday's non-title bout, the 28-year-old British light-middleweight champion had to prove he had picked himself up both mentally and physically.

With a record of 16 fights, 15 wins and 13 by KO, expectations were high for another quick finish. But Fessetchko, with a record of 33 wins from 53 fights, proved himself an extremely durable boxer who gained in confidence as the fight went on.

Alexander won the early rounds but Fessetchko fought back to take rounds six and seven, clearly giving switch-hitter Alexander something to think about.

Having had only six rounds in two years prior to the Simon fight, going the distance in an eight-rounder for the first time was probably a good thing for Alexander as he eyes up bigger prizes.

He said: "It was tougher than I thought it would be. I thought I would have the power to stop him but he was quite defensive and he had a good chin. I thought I won it by a bigger margin than the referee gave it.

"He boxes seven or eight times a year. I have had three fights in 18 months.

"I am glad I went eight rounds. I have always wanted to go the distance in a fight of six or eight rounds to see if I could do it."

Alexander will probably have to settle for a defence of his British title next, with a contest against Joe Townsley already earmarked for September, but a head-to-head with Anthony Farnell is the fight the boxing world wants to see.

Farnell recently lost to Margate's Takaloo while challenging for the vacant WBU light-middleweight title and his rivalry with Alexander is well known.

Alexander said: "I would like to get a WBO world title fight. The title is vacant now. So I would like to fight for the WBO title or make a British title defence. I want to be able to get it on the next two months as well.

"My main problem has been inactivity. I would like to fight Farnell but you will have to speak to Frank (Warren, his promoter) about that.

"I will fight any of them, Takaloo, Williams, Roberts, Farnell, Adrian Stone even. I think I am the best light-middleweight around."

It was a good night for Sussex with Crawley's unbeaten welterweight Ross Minter producing a highly impressive display to beat Leroy Williamson (Worcester) on points over four rounds.

This was Minter's third professional fight and he certainly made the Wembley crowd, most of whom were there for the Danny Williams-Julius Francis showdown, sit up and take notice.

Minter, son of Crawley's former undisputed world middleweight champion Alan, had a decent following of his own. They sung a stylised version of "Walking in a Winter Wonderland". And quite appropriate, too.

Ross 'The Boss' Minter, as he is known, had a swagger about him which was backed up by the quality of his boxing. If he continues this progress, a big future lays ahead.

Williamson stepped in after the late withdrawal of Karl Taylor but Minter was soon in control and by the second round he was mimically winding up his right hand, such was his authority.

Referee Ian John Lewis had no doubts in awarding Minter a 40-36 decision to the approval of Minter's watching father.

Minter, who lives in Dormansland but fights out of Crawley like his father did, said: "The other geezer was quite sharp and fit. Once he felt my shots in the first round he started thinking a little bit, pulling away and trying to be a little bit crafty.

"I think I could have been a bit quicker off the mark to see that. I was rushing in a little bit when I didn't need to but other times I felt the punches go in and when you feel that you think 'cor, that must have hurt'. You can see it in his face."

Minter's coach Trevor Cattouse added: "Ross is getting better at what he does.

"I personally felt he could have been sharper. The execution of his moves was lovely but he could have been sharper, particularly with his jabbing because he was trying too hard, thinking about putting the big shots in.

"He is getting better and every time you see him you will see an improvement. You have seen that in three so far. At each stage he is so much better. Let's hope that will continue."