Fury-Joshua undercard: Jai Opetaia could be Wilder's opponent
The Ring reports a fight between Deontay Wilder and cruiserweight Jai Opetaia is being explored for Cardiff. Talks over Usyk vs Wilder are said to be dead.
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A possible opponent for Deontay Wilder is emerging for the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua on 11 December in Cardiff. According to The Ring's Mike Coppinger, a heavyweight fight between Wilder and unbeaten Australian Jai Opetaia, who has so far fought at cruiserweight, is being explored. No deal has been confirmed.
At the same time, Coppinger says talks over Oleksandr Usyk against Wilder are "dead". Opetaia stopped Noel Mikaelian in the ninth round in September. Against Wilder he "would get a big American name as he builds his profile", Coppinger said, as quoted by Sportsnaut. Wilder last won a split decision over Derek Chisora in London in April.
Coppinger said it would not affect a later showdown between Opetaia and David Benavidez. Benavidez said that if the Opetaia fight cannot be made for May 2027, "then we'll do Usyk". No undercard bout in Cardiff has been officially announced yet.