Unbeaten Tyson Fury is aiming to lay down a marker in his bid to take on a Klitschko as he takes on Kevin Johnson this Saturday.

The 6ft 9in heavyweight will defend a 19-0 record when he faces the American in Belfast this weekend.

And should he despatch of a man who rather lost his way after a loss to Vitali Klitschko in 2009, 24-year-old Fury has his sights firmly fixed on taking on brother Wladimir.

"I want to take him on in May or June – as soon as possible," he said. "The quicker the better because I’m in tremendous shape. Mark my words now, I will beat Wladimir Klitschko for sure and I want to go to Germany to do it.

But Fury’s uncle and coach Peter is warning his protege not to under-estimate ‘Kingpin’ Johnson.

"Johnson is a world class fighter," he insisted. "This is no longer domestic-level fighters, he’s a couple of steps up from anyone Tyson has ever fought before.

"He’s a strong guy with his own world title aspirations so Tyson has to be ready for a hard night."