Deontay Wilder is being positioned for a heavyweight showdown against cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia on the undercard of the Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua heavyweight spectacle scheduled for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The all-British heavyweight main event has been long anticipated, and the undercard is now taking shape with discussions advancing between the former WBC champion and the unbeaten Australian contender.
Dana White, who manages Opetaia's career, confirmed the emerging plans to Sky Sports.
"Jai Opetaia is more than likely going to be on the undercard. [Wilder] is one that we've been talking about and working on."
According to Ring Magazine, the proposed Wilder–Opetaia bout is being explored as the co-feature, though the full undercard has not yet been officially confirmed by promoters.
The matchup would represent a significant step up in competition for Opetaia, who has dominated the cruiserweight division but has not yet fought at the elite heavyweight level. Wilder, now 40 years old, remains a formidable opponent renowned for his devastating knockout power despite his advancing years.
White outlined the risks and rewards of the proposed encounter.
"The guy's willing to fight anybody. It's a very dangerous fight for him considering where he sits in his division right now. But he's a fighter; he'll fight anybody, even at heavyweight with a guy who hits as hard as Wilder does."
The specific weight at which the two would compete has not been disclosed. Opetaia's most recent outing saw him stop Norair Mikaeljan in the ninth round on September 12 in Las Vegas, with the Australian cruiserweight weighing 199 pounds for that bout.
Wilder's involvement in this potential clash comes after earlier discussions with heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk fell apart. According to Boxing News Online, negotiations between Wilder and Usyk are now "dead in the water," with Opetaia emerging as a possible alternative opponent instead.
White indicated that Opetaia views this heavyweight assignment as a stepping stone rather than a permanent move up in weight.
"He wants to stay active, he wants to fight and he doesn't care if it's at heavyweight or wherever, he's ready to go."
Opetaia is expected to return to cruiserweight after the Wilder encounter. His ultimate target remains a showdown with David Benavidez, widely regarded as the other elite force in the 200-pound division.
"That's the fight he really wants. He wants that fight so we've got to figure that one out,"White said.
Benavidez is scheduled to face Michal Cieslak on December 5, just six days before the Fury-Joshua main event. According to Ring Magazine, Benavidez has expressed interest in fighting Opetaia on Cinco de Mayo weekend in 2027; if that bout cannot be arranged, he may instead pursue a clash with Usyk.
Wilder's Recent Form
Wilder's last outing came in April when he secured a points victory over British contender Derek Chisora at The O2 in London. The former champion's career has been defined by his epic trilogy with Tyson Fury and his near-miss with Anthony Joshua, though he ultimately fell short against Joseph Parker.
What Happens Next
The Fury-Joshua event is scheduled to stream live on Netflix from the Principality Stadium. The fighters' ring walk is expected around 1 a.m. on December 12, making it a late-night spectacle for UK viewers and a prime-time event for international audiences.
