By Mark Vester

It was reported in Kentnews that WBU welterweight champion Takaloo and his wife, are on trial for charges of conspiracy to commit benefit fraud. The Canterbury Crown Court adjourned the trial for three months so Takaloo can defend his title in April.

Mehrdud Takalobigashi, 31,  who fights under the name Takaloo, and wife Sarah, 30, are jointly charged with making false claims for social security, housing and council tax benefits for more than three years.

The charges against Takaloo state that he allowed his wife to continue claiming benefits without declaring a change in circumstances from April 14, 2003, until September 25, 2006.

“There is nothing much I can say about the charges, I am just concentrating on my fight. I am totally innocent, but I am concentrating on the positives and focusing on my title fight,” Takaloo said.