The Iranian-born Margate fighter has been living in England for more than 20 years but still has not received a British passport.

The British Home Office are currently considering his application and vital identification elements are with British government officials.

Takaloo said: “It’s ridiculous – I have lived all this time in Britain and I haven’t got a British passport. What do I have to do?”

Rock and Takaloo clash for the vacant WBU light-middleweight title, which the Londoner once held, on February 1 at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena when British welterweight champion Neil Sinclair defends his title against Welshman Bradley Pryce.

When it was established that Takaloo could not fly, a telephone link-up was established with Rock and both men unloaded their verbal assaults.

Rock said: “You never had any intention of turning up. You’re a coward but you’ll have to face me on the night and I’ll be walking out with the title.”

Takaloo’s response was just as adamant as he said: “I’m going over to smash up Jim Rock.

“This title belongs to me and I see this as a stepping stone to bigger things. Rock’s not in my class.”

For Rock it is a dream come true to be fighting at this level as the early promise in his career seemed to be falling away and for the past two years he has been boxing in small hall shows.

But now the man brave enough to wear pink and call himself “The Pink Panther” is ready to step up in class.

Rock added: “I’ve been waiting my whole career for a chance like this and I’m not about to throw it away.

“I’m as strong as any light-middleweight and if Takaloo is taking me lightly, then he is for a shock.”