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.
"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.