Kevin Mitchell s New Year wish is a showdown with Australian power-puncher Michael Katsidis – and he insists it s a battle he can win, with the added attraction of a world title chance for the victor, writes LEN WHALEY. Mitchell is looking forward to maki

Kevin Mitchell's New Year wish is a showdown with Australian power-puncher Michael Katsidis - and he insists it's a battle he can win, with the added attraction of a world title chance for the victor, writes LEN WHALEY.

Mitchell is looking forward to making the first defence of his WBO Intercontinental lightweight title at Wembley Arena on February 13, following a career-best victory over Amir Khan's conqueror, Breidis Prescott, in Newcastle a month ago.

The local fighter knows that victory on the Frank Warren promotion could pave the way for a clash with the WBO interim champion Katsidis, who may even have the full WBO belt before long if, as rumoured, current champion Juan Manuel Marquez decides to vacate the title.

Former West Ham amateur star Mitchell, still waiting for his challenger to be confirmed for next month's defence, is looking ahead to his prize of a clash against the 'Thunder from Down Under,' with the promise of a world title chance in London this year from promoter Frank Warren.

Katsidis, with 26 wins in his 28 fights, is regarded by Mitchell as: "A great fighter, who is well known in the UK after his war against Graham Earl a few years ago.

"He can crack a bit, but I can take a better shot than Earl and I can hit harder as well," added the confident Mitchell, now training under father and son duo Jimmy and Mark Tibbs at Canning Town's Ultrachem TKO Gym.

"If I stand in front of Katsidis and have a war I'll beat him, but I can also out-box him as well and do a proper job on him just like I did against Prescott.

"Everyone said that was going to be a tough fight and I was going to get knocked out, but I made it look easy in there and I will do the same against Katsidis," added Mitchell.

"I showed with my performance against Prescott that I belong at world level, and by the summer I want that world title belt wrapped around my waist."

Mitchell, who will be facing a world-rated opponent on February 13, when he headlines the card, is currently ranked number one by the WBO, and has already has his sights set on a world title chance by May.

"I can't take anything for granted in this next fight, but ideally I'd like to face Katsidis early in the summer," he said.

"He's been to the UK before and I'm sure he'll come here again, but unlike last time he won't be going home with the title.

"I remember how Earl had him rocking early on and let him off the hook, but I'll wallop him good and proper."

The clash of the big men on the bill features the explosive heavyweight showdown between British heavyweight champion Danny Williams and Commonwealth champion Sam Sexton.

The Mitchell family will be looking for a double celebration on the Saturday night show with Kevin's unbeaten super featherweight brother Vinny appearing in a contest on the supporting card.

Another heavyweight showdown on the Wembley show next month will be undefeated Derek Chisora versus veteran Matt Skelton who meet for the vacant English heavyweight championship.

Olympians James DeGale, Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders are also billed for action on the night, while Norfolk's 'Farmy Army' will be cheering on their heroes - the Walsh brothers Liam, Michael and Ryan - all in action on the show.