Boxing news: Deontay Wilder reveals plan to become undisputed heavyweight champion in 2016

Deontay Wilder has pledged to become the undisputed heavyweight champion in 2016. The 30-year-old American is set to defend his WBC belt against Polish heavyweight Artur Szpilka in New York City on 16 January.

Wilder has promised once he overcomes his latest opponent he will seek a fight against Tyson Fury, who became the lineal champion late last year when he shocked Ukrainian legend Wladimir Klitschko. The duo are set for a rematch in 2016, but Wilder has revealed he will happily face whoever holds the belts.

"The fans are going to be very excited and impressed with what I do this year. I'm not playing around. My goal is to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and whoever has those belts is going to have to deal with me," he said, according to the Daily Mail.

"I'm happy that Szpilka got this opportunity. I'm sure he's excited and overwhelmed. Most fighters don't get this kind of chance. At the end of the day, though, he's never faced a fighter like me."

Wilder claimed he is the best fighter in the heavyweight division and plans to prove his quality in the ring against Szpilka.

"I'm mobile and agile. My accuracy and my power is the best out there. Artur Szpilka is in for a world of pain. 2016 is my year. I mean what I say. I feel it inside of me. Szpilka says he's ready but he's just trying to promote himself. I really mean what I say," Wilder, who has won 34 of his 35 by knockout, added.