Saturday 5 November 2016 16:49, UK
Deontay Wilder believes Anthony Joshua's next fight is "build-up" to a blockbuster unification bout between the pair.
Wilder is rehabbing injuries sustained in the fourth defence of his WBC heavyweight title and expects Joshua, the IBF champion, to find a "willing and determined" opponent in Eric Molina on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Wilder believes Molina was chosen as a challenger partly to introduce Joshua to an American audience with a view to a blockbuster unification bout next year.
If he comes victorious, everyone wants to see him fight the man. And I am the man. No matter what people say, I am the man, especially in America.
"This is the build-up, if he is able to get the job done, to a unification fight," Wilder told Sky Sports.
"If he comes victorious, everyone wants to see him fight the man. And I am the man. No matter what people say, I am the man, especially in America.
"[Joshua's upcoming fight] is good for the viewers of America. This fight will get a few more Americans on tune with who Joshua is.
"2017 will be a beautiful year. Our goal is to unify the division so we need others that want to put their title on the line.
"2017 is all about risk-taking and I think it's going to happen. There's so much going on with belts and sanctions but, if I have my pick, I want to come back with a bang and unify the division with somebody.
"If you're at the top, no matter who you are - especially if you're a belt-holder - we want you."
Wilder and Joshua are currently the only recognised world heavyweight champions after Tyson Fury vacated his WBA 'Super' and WBO belts.
Watch Anthony Joshua vs Eric Molina on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
