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Deontay Wilder's next fight set to be Jai Opetaia on Tyson Fury vs Joshua card

Boxing Kingdom reports a deal is in place for the 11 December bout, which is expected to be at heavyweight, a division cruiserweight world champion Opetaia has not fought in since 2017.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published · AI-assisted reporting
wilder vs opetaia graphic
Original graphic: Combat Sports UK

Deontay Wilder has agreed to face cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua at the Principality Stadium on 11 December, Boxing Kingdom has reported.

The booking would put Wilder on the same Cardiff card as Fury, his opponent in three previous fights. Fury won two of those meetings and the other ended in a draw.

The contest is expected to take place at heavyweight, with Opetaia moving up from the 200lb limit. The Australian holds the Ring Magazine, WBA Regular and Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight titles.

It would be the second fight of the year for Wilder, 41, who ended more than a year out of the ring by beating Derek Chisora on a split decision in a Misfits Boxing main event. His performance that night prompted calls from fans for him to retire.

A win over Opetaia could put the former heavyweight world champion back in contention for a title shot in the division. For Opetaia, beating a household name could bring him to the attention of Oleksandr Usyk, who recently revealed his intention to return to cruiserweight and named David Benavidez as an opponent.

In this story
Deontay WilderTyson FuryAnthony JoshuaOleksandr Usyk
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