Official: Deontay Wilder to fight Jai Opetaia on Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua card in Cardiff

Cruiserweight champion Opetaia moves up to give away 5 inches in height and 7 in reach to a man with 43 knockouts in 45 wins, live on Netflix on 11 December.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Wed 4 Nov, 15:36 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Deontay Wilder and Jai Opetaia — Photos: Richard Pelham/Getty Images; Cooper Neill/Zuffa Boxing via Getty Images

Deontay Wilder will fight Jai Opetaia at heavyweight on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua card at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 11 December, with the bout announced by The Ring and Turki Alalshikh on Wednesday. The card is live on Netflix.

"BOOOOOM!!!! Wilder vs Opetaia is OFFICIAL in Cardiff, Wales," said Dana White, whose Zuffa Boxing promotes Opetaia. "Wilder has a 95% knockout rate and Opetaia is undefeated 31-0."

Netflix billed the bout as Opetaia, "the cruiserweight champion", moving up to face Wilder, "one of the biggest punchers in boxing history". Opetaia gives up 5 inches in height and 7 inches in reach: Wilder stands 6ft 7in with an 83in reach, Opetaia 6ft 2in with a 76in reach. Wilder, 41, is 45-4-1 with 43 knockouts. Opetaia, 31, is 31-0 with 24 knockouts.

The booking puts Wilder on the same bill as both men in the main event. He fought Fury three times, drawing in 2018 and being stopped in the two rematches, and has never faced Joshua despite years of negotiations. Wilder beat Derek Chisora by split decision in April.

He had also named a different fight he wanted. Wilder told the International Boxing Association (IBA) there had been contact with the team of WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev, saying: "Out of all the choices, I would love for that one to go."

David Benavidez, who has named Opetaia as an opponent he wants, first meets Michal Cieslak on 5 December. More undercard bouts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

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Deontay Wilder Tyson Fury Anthony Joshua