Froch wants to add Dodson to his list of victims before moving on

The pair were due to meet on three previous occasions, initially when Liverpool's Dodson held the title.

But Dodson withdrew each time because of injury or lack of fitness and in the meantime Froch has claimed the title.

"I don't usually threaten people with knockouts, but I'm definitely going to do a number on him," said Froch.

"I'm going to make a promise to my fans this time: I'm going to do a good job and knock him spark out. It's going to be one to watch.

"He's had a long time to prepare for me, to get himself set and ready. He'll be trying to upset the Carl Froch train, but it's not happening."

I'm not saying it's going to go 12 rounds, but I will be prepared. I'm looking to make this one of the fights of the year Tony Dodson

Victory for Nottingham's Froch, also currently the Commonwealth champion, will see him fulfil his ambition of retaining the Lonsdale belt outright.

"I could be fighting for a world title now," he said. "But I want the British title outright first and I want to fight Tony Dodson.

"It is important for me to beat him before I move on. The fight has been on and off for ages and he is the most deserving challenger out there.

"Realistically, I think I am about three or four fights away from getting my world title shot.

"I will sit down with (promoter) Mick Hennessy after this fight and we will probably target the European first. But if a world title opportunity came up I would jump at it - I am ready."

Froch is back to full fitness after fracturing his hand in his last fight, an 11th-round knockout win over Brian Magee.

English title holder Dodson also claims to be in top shape as the build-up to his clash with 'The Cobra' begins in earnest.

"I'm training for the hardest fight of my life," he said. "I'm training for 12 hard rounds.