Wilder, who is coming off an impressive first-round knockout of Bermane Stiverne, revealed that his representatives had been in contact with Joshua's camp, and the sides were exploring ways to stage the unification contest.

"I just want to prove who is the best, that's all I want to do," Wilder, the WBC world heavyweight champion, said. "I want people to see a great fight and witness the two best heavyweights compete with each other one night in the ring."

Wilder added: "I think they're hesitant for a reason. They've got a great thing going. He [Joshua] can fight literally a guy who doesn't even have a name and can make millions and millions of dollars off him. Why would they risk taking a chance with the most dangerous heavyweight in the division?"

The 'Bronze Bomber' wants to wrestle the WBA 'super' and IBF world heavyweight titles from Joshua who is also keen to add the American's WBC crown to his collection.

Joshua stopped Carlos Takam in the 10th round last month in Cardiff while, a week later, Wilder destroyed Stiverne in Brooklyn.

"They want a warm-up fight," Wilder said. "Joshua's last performance was OK, but it wasn't his best. They want to redeem that and they want to make at least one more good payday before fighting me."

Joshua stopped Carlos Takam at Cardiff's Principality Stadium in October

Stiverne, who lost his title to Wilder in their first fight, was criticised for being out of shape and failed to land a punch before being brutally halted in the first round.

"It was a devastating knockout," Wilder said. "Being able to put on a spectacular performance like I did put the icing on the cake."

Both Joshua and Wilder are undefeated with impressive knockout records. The American is trying to grow his fan base outside his home state of Alabama in the United States, but there have been questions about the quality of his opponents.

"The heavyweight division was once in a dark place but now it is coming into the light," Wilder said. "It's exciting and I can't wait to make it even more exciting."