Joe Calzaghe'S dream of unifying the world super-middleweight division may still be far away, but he and latest WBO challenger Byron Mitchell are unified on one thing - tonight's fight will be Calzaghe's toughest.

"He's the most dangerous opponent I could face in the division," said Calzaghe yesterday, "but fighting the best brings out the best and I know I will beat him."

Mitchell, the 'Slama from 'Bama', himself twice a world champion, said: "It has every prospect of being a great contest. Joe comes to fight, I come to fight and I'm expecting fireworks."

And promoter Frank Warren said of the Cardiff International Arena showdown: "Joe's fight against Charles 'The Hatchet' Brewer was a great fight and this holds out every prospect of being the same."

Brewer's challenge brought out the best in Calzaghe who outpunched and outpointed the dangerous Philadelphian, winning eight of the 12 rounds.

And the Newbridge southpaw will certainly need a repeat of that form against his Alabama hit-man.

Mitchell has lost only twice, beaten on points by Sven Ottke in Germany three months ago and by Frenchman Bruno Girard in Paris, both defeats regarded by many as 'home town decisions'.

And as his record shows, he can hit, 18 of his 25 wins coming via KOs. He's also a battler to the end with the ability to put out the lights with one punch.

He trailed heavily against Frank Lillies for the WBA super-middleweight title in 1999 but finished his opponent off in the 11th round.

But he can be knocked down himself, being floored in two successful defences of his crown.

So Mitchell, 29, is a live challenger, but fortunately Calzaghe, 30, knows it and is not contemplating it being an unlucky 13th defence of his title.

I take him to win - and in some style. I have seldom seen him strip leaner and fitter than in training this week. He has been frustrated and has appeared like a caged tiger, ready to pounce from the first bell.

Calzaghe is, whatever Mitchell may claim, an extremely skilful boxer with fast hands, solid punches and a good chin.

His defence is superb and he has an excellent jab.

It will be a major surprise if he doesn't make it a double celebration after his recent award of an MBE.

* Pictured, Gwent world champion Joe Calzaghe with tonight's world title challenger Byron Mitchell