Opetaia Could Become a Global Star If He Beats Wilder

Cruiserweight standout Jai Opetaia will face former world champion Deontay Wilder in the heavyweight division on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, as the undercard bout to the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight. Opetaia is moving up to heavyweight for this fight, and it has been noted that it could be a one-off bout in that division.

Wilder, who previously held the WBC heavyweight title, is known as one of the hardest punchers in boxing history. Promoter Dana White said that if Opetaia beats Wilder in an impressive way, his path will be completely open. White added that Opetaia has a large fan base in Australia and New Zealand, that he will move on to bigger fights as he keeps winning, and that he will become known around the world.

White also said that Opetaia wants to fight often. It was noted that the possibility of Oleksandr Usyk returning to the 200-pound division could create a new dynamic in the category. White said this is currently the most profitable division and that Opetaia is part of that picture.