CWMBRAN'S Gary Lockett wants a world title shot before the end of the year - and he sees Saturday's debut on American TV as a stepping stone on the way.

The 25-year-old WBO intercontinental light-middleweight champion defends his belt for the first time against Russian titleholder Yuri Tsarenko - actually from Belarus - at Cardiff International Arena in a bout which will later be shown "as live" on US cable network Showtime, along with Joe Calzaghe's WBO super-middleweight showdown with former IBF ruler Charles Brewer.

"After this fight they'll know all about me in America," said Lockett. "Then I'll be banging down doors for a world title chance in two or three fights' time.

"I think I could beat the WBO champion, Daniel Santos, at this moment. But we'll wait and see what the future brings."

Immediately, of course, it brings Tsarenko, on a four-fight winning streak which includes a points win over former European welter champion and WBA title challenger Andrei Pestriaev.

He has never been stopped, although there are six losses on his 19-fight record. "I've watched the tape of his fight last July with Ryan Rhodes," said Lockett in Cardiff yesterday. "He's very stocky and looks as though he can punch a bit, but Ryan hurt him a couple of times.

"I'm confident I can produce a good performance for the American TV and for my supporters in Wales."

This will be the first time Lockett, who trains in Liverpool, has boxed in his homeland as a pro. It is something he is relishes.

"I was supposed to box Kevin Kelly here in February," said Lockett. "But Joe was ill, the show was postponed and I ended up beatinhim in Manchester. "Now I'm in Cardiff at last. I've sold 500 tickets just to people I know.

"To those of you who haven't seen me: watch on Saturday night and I hope you'll be impressed."

Unbeaten Newbridge youngsters Bradley Pryce and Gavin Rees feature in non-title bouts on an 11-fight card.

With Newbridge's Bradley Pryce, Gavin Rees and Nathan King also all involved in non-title fights, tickets are reported to be selling well, but are still available at all prices.