Boxer using loaf as food (9)

I believe the answer is:

alimental

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'loaf as food' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'boxer using' is the wordplay.
'boxer' becomes 'Ali' (Muhammad Ali).
'using' becomes 'mental' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'ali'+'mental'='ALIMENTAL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alimental that I've seen before include "Metal nail (anag.)" , "Sustaining" , "Nourishing" , "supplying food" .)

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