KENT boxer Takaloo will be back in the ring later this month when he fights journeyman light-middleweight Delroy Mellis in an eight round contest in Edinburgh on Saturday, July 23.

It had been thought that the Margate-based boxer would fight on the undercard at Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan's first professional fight in Bolton a week earlier, but Takaloo is happy with the change of date and venue.

He now fights on the bill that features Alex Arthur's European super-featherweight title challenge against Boris Sinistin

The two-time WBU light-middleweight champion hasn't been in the ring since his six-round knock-out defeat by Croydon's Wayne Alexander last September, but the 29-year-old father of two said: "I think this is better for me, and gives me more of a showcase. The break has done me a world of good."

Mellis, 34, has won 11 of his 33 fights, and also lost to Alexander on points at the Excel Arena in Docklands in December 2004.

Takaloo said: "I know a lot about him, but won't underestimate the fight. I want to put on an exhibition, and this is my opportunity to show people what I can do"

The Thanet fighter hasn't ruled out dropping down to welterweight, and has employed his own dietician and nutritionist to help him.

He added: "They have put me on a diet and the pounds are coming off. I was 11 stone 11, but now I am down to 11 stone two ready for the Mellis fight.

"I am not doing anything differently, just eating the right food at the right time. I am educating myself to perform better in the ring, and be really professional."

Takaloo will continue to spar and train at Ramsgate Boxing Club, before flying to Scotland the day before the fight for the weigh-in.