By Sanjeev Shetty BBC Sport Online

Tough times for Takaloo

Light middleweight Takaloo continues to be frustrated in his quest to stay in England.

The fighter, who unsuccessfully challenged for the WBO title this year, has been in the country for over 20 years.

But, as BBC Sport Online reported recently, there is a danger of him being sent back to Iran, the nation of his birth, because he has never been granted British citizenship.

Having requested to stay in England permanently, Takaloo has yet to hear from the Home Office.

"I'm still down as an asylum seeker," Takaloo told BBC Sport Online.

The 27-year-old believes that an assessment of his situation by the Home Office has been hampered by inaccurate information about his date of birth and personal details.

In the meantime, he hopes to fight again at the start of February.

Vitali important

If Vitali Klitschko's proposed fight with Lennox Lewis does not come off next year, the big Ukrainian will have other options.

He is almost certain to be named the mandatory challenger for John Ruiz's WBA title.

And Klitschko would be a huge favourite to take the title from the dogged but limited American.

Tyson's trainer

Boxing fans who viewed last weekend's clash between Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward will have seen Mike Tyson's new trainer.

James "Buddy" McGirt, one of the finest fighters of the late 20th century, will be the man in the corner when Tyson returns to the ring in February against fellow American Clifford Etienne.

What is significant about the move is that McGirt managed to turn Gatti from brawler to boxer in his recent 10-round win over Ward.

And if McGirt can get Tyson to listen to his instructions, then the former two-time heavyweight champion could become a force in the division once again.

Wayne's world

Frank Warren's big show in Newcastle on 14 December will see the return of European light middleweight champion Wayne Alexander.

The Englishman, who may be the hardest puncher, pound-for-pound, in Britain, will box over eight rounds against that well travelled veteran "To Be Announced".

Eastman back before Christmas

Howard Eastman may fit in one more appearance in a British boxing ring before the end of the year.

He is scheduled to appear on a show at the Dagenham Leisure centre on 21 December.

The British and Commonwealth middleweight champion has been mooted as a possible opponent for Anthony Farnell.