Wilder to Face Opetaia in Heavyweight Bout

Deontay Wilder will box cruiserweight star Jai Opetaia on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. In the main event, two British heavyweights will meet in a long-awaited bout.

Unbeaten at cruiserweight, Opetaia will move up to heavyweight for the first time to face Wilder. Wilder is a former world champion and is considered one of the hardest punchers in the sport. Now 41, the former WBC champion is still known for his powerful right hand.

Opetaia's promoter, Dana White, said the fight is very dangerous for Opetaia, but that the fighter is ready to box any opponent regardless of weight. Opetaia is expected to return to cruiserweight after this bout. His real target, however, is David Benavidez, who is considered one of the two best boxers at that weight.

Wilder fought Fury in a legendary series of three fights. He came close to facing Joshua, but after losing to Joseph Parker, that bout did not happen. Wilder's most recent fight was in April at the O2 in London, where he won a points decision over British opponent Derek Chisora.