Two More Heavyweight Bouts Confirmed for Fury v Joshua Undercard

Two further heavyweight fights have been confirmed for the undercard of Tyson Fury’s highly anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday 11th December 2026.

Martin Bakole will face unbeaten Nigerian Solomon Adebayo, while American prospect Da’Mazion Vanhouter has been matched against Michael Essomba. Both contests were announced on Wednesday 11th November, exactly one month before the event.

The new additions join the previously confirmed contest between former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and undefeated Australian Jai Opetaia, giving the main card an entirely heavyweight line-up.

With Fury and Joshua preparing to meet professionally for the first time, the supporting fights will feature a mixture of former world champions, established heavyweight contenders and emerging prospects.

Martin Bakole to Face Unbeaten Solomon Adebayo

Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole will return to the ring against undefeated Nigerian Solomon Adebayo in one of the newly announced contests.

Bakole, who has a professional record of 21 wins, two defeats and one draw, will be looking to return to winning ways after his majority draw against Efe Ajagba in May 2025.

The Scotland-based fighter has previously established himself as a contender in the heavyweight division, recording a notable victory over American Jared Anderson in August 2024.

Standing opposite him will be Adebayo, who enters the contest with an unbeaten professional record of 15 victories, including 14 knockouts.

The Nigerian’s impressive knockout record makes him an interesting opponent for Bakole, although the Cardiff contest represents a considerable step up in opposition.

Both fighters will have an opportunity to make an impression on one of the year’s biggest boxing events, with a victory potentially opening the door to further opportunities in the heavyweight division.

Da’Mazion Vanhouter Set to Face Michael Essomba

Another unbeaten heavyweight will feature on the card, with American prospect Da’Mazion Vanhouter taking on Belgium-based Michael Essomba.

Vanhouter, 21, has won all 14 of his professional contests, recording 11 victories by knockout.

The American most recently stopped Ivan Balaz in the opening round of their November contest, continuing his unbeaten start to professional boxing.

His opponent, Essomba, has recorded 11 victories and two defeats, with ten of those wins coming inside the distance.

Vanhouter’s inclusion provides the young heavyweight with a high-profile opportunity to impress, while Essomba will be looking to hand the American his first professional defeat.

The contest adds another heavyweight bout to the confirmed main card, with further preliminary fights expected to be announced before December.

Deontay Wilder v Jai Opetaia Confirmed as Co-Main Event

The most high-profile supporting contest remains the meeting between Deontay Wilder and Jai Opetaia, which was officially announced on Wednesday 4th November.

Wilder, a former WBC heavyweight world champion, enters the contest with a professional record of 45 victories, four defeats and one draw, including 43 knockout wins.

The American is widely recognised for his punching power and previously held the WBC heavyweight title between 2015 and 2020.

He will face an intriguing challenge against Opetaia, who moves up from cruiserweight to heavyweight for the contest.

The Australian remains undefeated after 31 professional fights, with 24 victories by knockout, and has established himself as one of the leading cruiserweights of his generation.

Opetaia’s speed and technical ability will be tested against Wilder’s size and power in a contest that could have significant implications for both fighters.

For Wilder, victory would strengthen his position in the heavyweight division, while Opetaia has an opportunity to make an immediate impression at a higher weight.

Fury and Joshua Prepare for Historic All-British Heavyweight Fight

The three confirmed supporting contests will precede the long-awaited meeting between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, two of the most successful British heavyweights of the modern era.

Fury, who has a professional record of 36 victories, two defeats and one draw, returned to winning ways with a unanimous decision victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April.

Meanwhile, Joshua enters the contest with 30 professional victories and four defeats, having recorded his latest success against Jake Paul in December 2025.

Despite years of speculation and several unsuccessful attempts to arrange a meeting, the former world heavyweight champions have never fought professionally.

That will finally change when they meet at the Principality Stadium on Friday 11th December, with the confirmed all-heavyweight main card adding further interest to one of the most anticipated fights in British boxing history.

Fury v Joshua Confirmed Fight Card

The following four contests have been officially confirmed:

• Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua – Heavyweight Main Event
• Deontay Wilder v Jai Opetaia – Heavyweight Co-Main Event
• Martin Bakole v Solomon Adebayo – Heavyweight
• Da’Mazion Vanhouter v Michael Essomba – Heavyweight

Further preliminary undercard announcements are expected before fight night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is fighting on the Fury v Joshua undercard?

The confirmed supporting bouts are Deontay Wilder v Jai Opetaia, Martin Bakole v Solomon Adebayo and Da’Mazion Vanhouter v Michael Essomba. Further preliminary fights are expected to be announced.

When is Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua?

Tyson Fury will face Anthony Joshua on Friday 11th December 2026 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Who is fighting Deontay Wilder on the Fury v Joshua undercard?

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will face undefeated Australian cruiserweight star Jai Opetaia, who is moving up to heavyweight for the contest.

Who is Martin Bakole fighting in Cardiff?

Martin Bakole will face undefeated Nigerian heavyweight Solomon Adebayo, who has won all 15 of his professional fights, including 14 by knockout.

Where will Fury v Joshua take place?

The fight will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, which will host the all-British heavyweight contest and its supporting fights on 11th December 2026.