Deontay Wilder and Jai Opetaia Reportedly Agree Fight on Fury v Joshua Undercard

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten Australian Jai Opetaia have reportedly agreed to fight on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s highly anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday 11th December 2026.

The potential contest would bring together two of boxing’s most dangerous punchers, with Opetaia preparing to make the step up from cruiserweight to heavyweight for the biggest challenge of his professional career.

According to boxing journalist Dan Rafael, an agreement has been reached between the two fighters, although contracts have not yet been signed and an official announcement remains outstanding.

Should the bout be finalised, it would provide another major attraction on an already highly anticipated evening of boxing, with Fury and Joshua finally preparing to settle their long-standing rivalry in the ring.

However, Wilder is also understood to be considering other opponents, meaning the proposed contest remains subject to confirmation.

Wilder and Opetaia Closing in on December Showdown

Discussions surrounding a potential meeting between Wilder and Opetaia first emerged in early October, with the American heavyweight identified as a possible opponent for the Australian on the Fury v Joshua undercard.

Dana White, who promotes Opetaia through Zuffa Boxing, subsequently confirmed that negotiations were taking place, suggesting the cruiserweight star was likely to feature on the Cardiff bill.

The proposed contest has since moved a step closer, with Rafael reporting on Friday 30th October that an agreement had been reached for the two fighters to meet.

However, neither camp has officially confirmed the fight, while the event’s broadcaster, Netflix, has yet to announce the supporting card.

Despite that uncertainty, the prospect of Wilder facing Opetaia has attracted considerable attention, particularly given their contrasting experience at heavyweight and impressive knockout records.

Jai Opetaia Preparing for Biggest Challenge of His Career

Jai Opetaia has established himself as one of boxing’s leading cruiserweights, boasting an outstanding professional record of 31 victories from 31 fights, including 24 knockouts.

The Australian has dominated the 200lb division in recent years, becoming a two-time IBF cruiserweight world champion and recording impressive victories against several established opponents.

His most recent appearance came in September, when he stopped Noel Mikaelian in the ninth round to extend his unbeaten professional record.

However, a potential move to heavyweight would present an entirely different challenge.

At 41, Wilder may no longer be at the peak of his powers, but the former WBC champion remains one of the most dangerous punchers in the sport, having recorded 43 knockout victories during his professional career.

Opetaia’s speed, technical ability and aggressive approach have made him particularly effective at cruiserweight, although questions remain over how those attributes would translate against a naturally bigger and more experienced heavyweight.

Victory over a former world heavyweight champion would represent a significant achievement for the Australian, potentially opening the door to further opportunities in boxing’s most prestigious weight division.

Deontay Wilder Looking to Continue Heavyweight Comeback

For Wilder, the proposed contest would offer another opportunity to rebuild his reputation following a challenging period in his professional career.

The American famously held the WBC heavyweight championship between 2015 and 2020, successfully defending the belt on ten occasions before losing his title to Tyson Fury.

Their rivalry produced one of the most memorable heavyweight trilogies of the modern era, beginning with a controversial draw in December 2018 before Fury secured successive stoppage victories in 2020 and 2021.

Wilder subsequently endured further setbacks against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, raising questions about whether the former champion could return to the top of the heavyweight division.

However, the 41-year-old secured an important victory over British heavyweight Derek Chisora at London’s O2 Arena in April 2026, claiming a split-decision win following an entertaining 12-round contest.

Now, the prospect of featuring on Fury’s undercard adds another intriguing dimension to the American’s comeback.

Having shared the ring with Fury on three occasions, Wilder would be appearing on the same bill as his former rival, although this time both fighters would have entirely different opponents.

Murat Gassiev Remains a Possible Opponent for Wilder

Despite reports that Wilder and Opetaia have reached an agreement, the proposed contest is not yet guaranteed to take place.

Wilder has also confirmed discussions with the representatives of Murat Gassiev, the reigning WBA heavyweight champion, who remains another potential opponent for the American.

The two fighters have previously shared sparring sessions, and Wilder has spoken positively about Gassiev’s abilities and character.

A meeting with the Russian would present an opportunity for Wilder to challenge for another heavyweight world championship, potentially complicating plans for the Opetaia contest.

With several possibilities still being discussed, confirmation of Wilder’s next opponent will be eagerly awaited by boxing supporters.

For now, the reported agreement with Opetaia represents one of the most exciting potential additions to the Fury v Joshua undercard, particularly with just over five weeks remaining until the event.

Fury v Joshua Promises Historic Night of Boxing in Cardiff

Regardless of whether Wilder and Opetaia eventually meet, the headline attraction on Friday 11th December remains one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in British boxing history.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will finally share the ring at the Principality Stadium, bringing an end to years of negotiations, speculation and missed opportunities between the two former heavyweight world champions.

Both fighters have dominated the heavyweight landscape during different periods of their careers, winning multiple world titles and headlining some of the biggest boxing events of the past decade.

Their first professional encounter promises to attract international attention, with tens of thousands of supporters expected in Cardiff and millions more watching around the world through Netflix.

The potential addition of Wilder against Opetaia would only increase anticipation, bringing another significant heavyweight contest to a night that already promises to be one of the standout sporting occasions of 2026.

Wilder v Opetaia and Fury v Joshua FAQs

Is Deontay Wilder fighting Jai Opetaia on the Fury v Joshua undercard?

Deontay Wilder and Jai Opetaia have reportedly reached an agreement to fight on the undercard of Fury v Joshua on Friday 11th December 2026. However, contracts have not yet been signed, and the contest remains subject to official confirmation.

Will Jai Opetaia be moving up to heavyweight?

Yes, if the proposed fight against Wilder goes ahead at heavyweight, it would mark Opetaia’s debut in the division. The Australian has previously competed at cruiserweight, where he remains unbeaten in 31 professional contests.

Has Deontay Wilder fought Tyson Fury before?

Yes. Wilder and Fury fought three times between 2018 and 2021. Their first encounter ended in a draw before Fury secured stoppage victories in their second and third meetings.

When is Tyson Fury fighting Anthony Joshua?

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are scheduled to meet on Friday 11th December 2026 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Are Fury v Joshua hospitality packages available?

Yes. Eventmasters offers a selection of VIP hospitality packages for Fury v Joshua, including exclusive Private Suites and premium lounge experiences at the Principality Stadium. Contact Eventmasters for the latest availability and package information.