With the victory, Alexander put himself in position for a potential fight against another English boxer, former junior-welterweight champion Amir Khan.

WSJ: Devon Alexander tops Lee Purdy in non-title bout

And he may well move up to light welterweight, a tough division already populated by Britons Ricky Hatton and Junior Witter, as well as by world players Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Miguel Cotto and Arturo Gatti.

BBC: SPORT | Boxing | Warren homes in on Khan contract