Deontay Wilder won't get in the ring with Anthony Joshua for anything less than a 50-50 split but if he does he has promised to knock the British world heavyweight champion out.

The WBC title holder is on a collision course with IBF and WBA champ Joshua with both increasingly vocal in recent weeks of there chances over the other.

Negotiations over a long-awaited meeting have begun, even if only at the preliminary stage, but American Wilder is adamant about what he wants.

Britain's current boxing world champions Show all 8 1 /8 Britain's current boxing world champions Britain's current boxing world champions Britain's current boxing world champions Getty Britain's current boxing world champions Tyson Fury WBC heavyweight AFP Britain's current boxing world champions Anthony Joshua IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight PA Britain's current boxing world champions Callum Smith WBA super middleweight (Super) Getty Britain's current boxing world champions Billy Joe Saunders WBO super middleweight Getty Britain's current boxing world champions Josh Taylor WBA and IBF light welterweight Getty Britain's current boxing world champions Terri Harper IBF super featherweight Getty Britain's current boxing world champions Josh Warrington IBF featherweight Getty

"I knock Joshua out and don't be surprised if it is in the first round. But I definitely knock Joshua out," he told ESPN when asked how he believes any fight would play out.

"It is a great fight, it is one of the biggest fights in the world and everyone wants it. It will be 50-50 or else we don't see a fight."

Joseph Parker, holder of the WBO crown, is also waiting in the wings in a crowded heavyweight division and Wilder believes Joshua and his camp may be looking to fight the New Zealander next.

"I don't think they are trying to make a negotiation at this point," he added. "I think they are trying to seek Parker. They got him on his agenda. [He is] their top priority which is fine. If they don't want to fight at this time, that it is ok.