NATHAN Cleverly has declared 2013 as the year he will unify the light-heavyweight division after polishing away the ring-rust against outclassed Robin Krasniqi at Wembley Arena.

Cleverly defended his WBO title for the fifth time with a landslide points decision against the tough but limited mandatory challenger, winning every round on two scorecards.

It was only his fifth appearance in nearly two and a half years, but the 26-year-old hopes it is the beginning of a busy and triumphant chapter of his career that will see him acquire two more belts.

Promoter Frank Warren has promised Cleverly at least two more fights before the year is out and would like him to compete three times ideally.

First in the crosshairs is WBA champion Beibut Shumenov with victory in that contest setting up his dream showdown with IBF king Bernard Hopkins.

“This is the year to stay active and push for the big fights. It's very important for me to get back in the ring as soon as possible,” the Gwent fighter said.

“I need to stay active and keep the rust away and try to unify the light-heavyweight division. 2013 could be the year to do that.

“I want fights that test me and that's the elite fights now - Hopkins and those guys.

“They're technically brilliant and will tell me if I'm an elite level fighter or just a world champion. I'm looking forward to finding out.

“Fighting back in Wales is a possibility at the back end of 2013, but next will be a fight in America in July.”

The plan could yet be derailed by Juergen Braehmer, another mandatory challenger to the WBO belt, although Cleverly believes he doesn’t truly want to face him.