Hard-punching Deontay Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) is increasingly confident a world title unification fight with equally dangerous Anthony Joshua will take place in the United States next year.

The WBC heavyweight champion will make the next defence of his title in a rematch against Bermane Stiverne at Barclays Center in in New York on November 4. He was originally set to fight Cuban puncher Luis Ortiz, who was pulled after failing a pre-fight drug test.

A week earlier Joshua puts his IBO, WBA ‘super’ and IBF belts on the line against late replacement Carlos Takam in Cardiff on October 28 Original opponent Kubrat Pulev withdrew with a shoulder injury.

After that Wilder is pinning his hopes on a showdown with Joshua in the New Year. Speaking to ThaBoxingVoice, he said:

“Everyone knows who I want. 2018 is going to be a huge year. A lot of questions are going to be asked and a lot of prayers are going to be answered. I know one day things will happen and I think it will be next year. The public are going to force it and the people want it, the people want it now," Wilder explained.

“It’s big right now, we don’t need any more hype for this. We’re heavyweights, everyone around the world is talking about this.”

Wilder is adamant the fight should take place in the States and he believes it is in Joshua’s best interest to cross the Atlantic.

“They don’t know Joshua here, but that is why they should have the fight here. If they have the fight here it is going to be crazy. They don’t really know him but that is how you get introduced. It’s not going to happen, but just imagine if he beat me, that’s it! People want this fight, they’re hungry for it. I don’t think this fight needs talking about any longer," Wilder said.