Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury: US boxer promises to 'seek, kill and destroy" in 2016 UK fight

Deontay Wilder wants to fight Tyson Fury in the United Kingdom this year following a routine defence of his WBC heavyweight title in New York. The American knocked out Artur Szpilka in the ninth round and wasted little time in laying down a challenge to the Briton, who holds the WBA and WBO belts.

Fury was ringside for the third defence of Wilder's title in Brooklyn and following the defeated Szpilka was taken to hospital after receiving a brutal right-hand, he climbed into the ring to confront his heavyweight rival. Fury and Wilder eventually had to be pulled apart following a war of words but following their respective title defences against Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin later in the year, it won't be long before they lock horns again.

"I just think Tyson's just a big act," Wilder told Sky Sports. "I don't take it personally or seriously at all. This is great promotion but I hope the fight lives up to the hype when it's time for it to happen. I've been waiting on him for a long time and they know where to find me. When the time comes – and the time will come – he'd better be ready because I will be looking to seek, kill and destroy him – and I do mean real bad. Hurting him, real, real, real, real bad.

"For Szpilka my heart goes out to him and his family but when I step in the ring with Tyson there will be no mercy, no pity, no sorrow and when I do lay him down on the canvas and look over him I will tell him... I just can't wait," he said.

"I've got my mandatory to handle and once he's finished Klitschko, let's make the fight. Why not? I would like it towards [the end of] this year. I like to continue fighting. I don't like to sit there and wait, so don't make me wait. I'm ready for that. I'd come to the UK for it. I love the UK. They are some of the best fans in the world and I am looking forward to it."

A date has yet to be confirmed for either of Fury or Wilder's title defences but the likelihood is the pair could face-off before the end of 2016 in a unification bout in the UK. Indoor venues such as the London O2 Arena or the Manchester Arena – in Fury's hometown – are potential hosts.