Tyson Fury will try to secure his first world title shot against WBA champion Alexander Povetkin on March 17.

The British and Commonwealth heavyweight title holder fights at New York’s Madison Square Garden on St Patrick’s Day and promoter Mick Hennessey is working on a major opponent to capture the attention of US audiences.

Fury is also scheduled to fight at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool in January – but after that will focus on the belt that used to be held by David Haye.

Wilmslow’s star fighter made a successful first defence of his Commonwealth title against Neven Pajkic, but not until the 34-year-old Canadian champion dealt a severe fright to his boisterous support.

Pajkic delivered a thunderous overhand right in round two to put Fury on the canvas for the first time.

But the British champion responded to the first knockdown of his unblemished career in devastating fashion, flooring Pajkic twice before forcing a conclusion 17 seconds from the end of round three.

The 23-year-old said: "I’m definitely the main man now. I’m a young heavyweight and if everything goes right I should be WBA champion by early next year.When you have the WBA title you have bargaining power to make big money."

Fury’s long-term goal is a clash with one of the Klitschkos in 2013 but – like Haye before him – is conscious that the dominant Ukrainians will hold all the aces around the negotiating table if he doesn’t bring a world title of his own.

Wladimir Klitschko has already made it clear that he wants to face the Brit, but Fury’s camp believe he is still too inexperienced to make that leap yet.

His fright against Neven Pajkic on Saturday, when he was knocked down for the first time in his career, was evidence that he is still learning his trade after only 17 professional fights.

But Hennessey – who has guided Fury to the English, British and Commonwealth crowns in that short space of time – is convinced his man will dominate the heavyweight scene.

"He’s got incredible boxing ability and once he sticks to that he will be just as exciting, bring the title home and unify the heavyweight division," he said. "I think he’s a phenomenon.

"For a heavyweight to have his size and speed – his combinations are relentless. He’s got a big heart and is determined.

"He’s the full package. But he’s got to stop getting drawn into a gunfight. Once he does that he’s the best heavyweight on the planet.

"You should only do that when you need to in a fight. When there is no other route.

"A fighter like Pajkic, Tyson could beat with his jab alone and he could do that to most heavyweights. He’s only 23 and he’s 17 and 0. The future is really bright.

"I believe he could beat Povetkin tomorrow, but he wants bigger and better. He wants the Klitschkos and in 18 months he will beat the Klitschkos."

Fury added: "I’m one of those fighters who has never avoided anyone. I always want to fight the best tomorrow.

"I’m a fighter. Mick puts them in front of me and I put them over."