Jai Opetaia Targets Wilder Fight on Fury Joshua Undercard

Australian boxer Jai Opetaia is set to face former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder on the Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury undercard on Saturday December 12 in Cardiff, Wales, after the fighters agreed terms for a major bout expected to draw global attention.

According to news.com.au, the matchup will serve as the co-main event for the Fury Joshua card. The event will be broadcast on Netflix, with tickets selling out shortly after release.

Opetaia, 31-0 with 24 knockouts, will move from the cruiserweight division to heavyweight for the fight, according to news.com.au. Wilder, 40, holds a 45-4-1 record and defeated Derek Chisora by split decision in April.

Dana White, the Zuffa Boxing promoter, confirmed that discussions for the bout had progressed while the Fury Joshua event plans developed.

"Jai Opetaia is more than likely going to be on the undercard. [Wilder] is one that we’ve been talking about and working on." said Dana White, Zuffa Boxing promoter.

According to BoxingScene, Opetaia has remained focused on major challenges after establishing himself internationally by defeating Mairis Briedis in 2022 to win the IBF and The Ring cruiserweight titles.

News.com.au reported that Opetaia recently defeated Noel Mikaeljan in September and is aiming for future opportunities involving the WBO and WBA cruiserweight world champion David Benavidez.