Boxing: Hodkinson's plan

PAUL HODKINSON wants to leave an indelible mark on the world featherweight title by completing a dozen successful defences over the next three years.

Hodkinson, of Liverpool, underlined his position as Britain's most exciting pressure fighter by beating the Puerto Rican, Ricardo Cepeda, in four rounds at London's Olympia on Wednesday night.

It was the 27-year-old's third, and most impressive, defence of his WBC crown. Hodkinson said: 'Everyone who comes looking for me will get their turn. I'm at my peak and I believe I can carry on being successful for the next three years - maybe even longer.' The champion is so confident that, if the money is right, he is prepared to take the title to the United States, where he believes the crowds will relish his all-action style.

The next defence is a mandatory one and the top contender, Kevin Kelley, flew in from New York to press his claim at ringside. 'I've proved myself over and over again and it's time they gave me a crack at the title,' Kelley said. 'Paul looked very strong, but I fancy my chances.'

A fight between the two is an outstanding prospect. Yet the man niggling away in Hodkinson's mind is the former WBO champion, Colin McMillan, and he is unlikely to be fully satisfied until the pair finally get to grips.

That prospect is on hold because McMillan is set for an operation on the shoulder he dislocated when losing the title last September to the Colombian, Ruben Palacio. He will be out for another two months.

Hodkinson's next domestic opponent could be John Davison - if the 34-year-old Newcastle fighter beats Palacio on 13 March.