Kevin Mitchell (right) stands over Felix Lora after knocking him down during their bout at York Hall, London

Kevin Mitchell has predicted he will win an all-British world title fight with Scotland’s Ricky Burns in their planned summer showdown, after beating Dominican Felix Lora at York Hall on Friday night.

Mitchell, from Dagenham, was a clear points winner after 10 rounds on the Frank Warren promotion and mapped out his world title schedule with another warm-up bout, before challenging WBO lightweight champion Burns.

“I’ll have another fight in March and then fight Burns – he is a lovely lad, but I’m going to have to beat him,” said Mitchell.

“I’ll be a world champion in the summer, I promise you.”

The 27-year-old, in action for the first time since he stopped Manchester’s John Murray for the best win of his pro career last July, was content to box his way to victory against a tough opponent.

Dominating the early rounds with a long-range jab, Mitchell looked set for an inside-the-distance win when he floored his rival for an eight-count with a solid left hook in the second round.

It was then that Lora showed he was not looking for an early exit, as he slammed back with his own attacks, jolting Mitchell before the end of the round.

Mitchell continued to dominate the action with his long-range skills and hurtful hooks giving him most of the rounds to the cheers of his fans at the packed east London venue.

However, Lora, a capable globetrotter currently based in Barcelona, was always willing to fire back, landing his own shots which earned the respect of Mitchell and his corner-men.

“Just box him,” yelled trainer Jimmy Tibbs, fully aware that his fighter needed to build up with a distance fight after just eight rounds of action in the past 20 months.

So despite being seriously shaken in the 10th round, Lora survived the full distance when referee Richie Davies scored Mitchell a 98-92 winner for his 33rd victory in 34 contests.