By Rick Reeno

If Deontay Wilder (28-0, 28KOs) defeats former champion Siarhei Liakhovich (25-5, 16KOs) on Friday night at Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio - Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer is interested in matching him against the winner of the September 6th showdown between Chris Arreola (35-3, 30KOs) and Seth Mitchell (26-1-1, 19KOs), taking place on September 6th at the same Indio venue. Both cards are being televised by Showtime.

Schaefer hopes the overall winner between Wilder vs. Arreola-Mitchell will establish a legit American challenger to the heavyweight throne - currently occupied by Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko.

"Liakhovich is the biggest step up for Deontay Wilder and I'm very excited to see how he handles a veteran like Liakhovich. I think it's the next logical step for Deontay Wilder. If everything goes well, I could see him fight the winner of another fight, which happens on September 6th, between Chris Arreola and Seth Mitchell. I think what we're going to see between Deontay Wilder, Seth Mitchell and Chris Arreola - who is the real weapon, the real threat in the heavyweight division, as it relates to an American challenger to the heavyweight throne. One person here is going to come out as the American championship hopeful," Schaefer told BoxingScene.com.