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Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will fight undefeated cruiserweight Jai Opetaia on the December 11 undercard at Principality Stadium.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Also in: Español
Deontay Wilder and Jai Opetaia are scheduled to compete in a heavyweight bout on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The match will take place on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight, which is described as an all-British heavyweight fight.
Jai Opetaia, an undefeated cruiserweight star at 200lbs and a former IBF championship holder, will be stepping up to the heavyweight division for the first time to face Wilder. Wilder, a 41-year-old former WBC heavyweight titlist, is known for his punch power.
Regarding the matchup, Opetaia's promoter, Dana White, stated: "It's a very dangerous fight for him considering where he sits in his division right now." White added, "But he's a fighter; he'll fight anybody, even at heavyweight with a guy who hits as hard as Wilder does." White also noted that Opetaia "wants to stay active, he wants to fight and he doesn't care if it's at heavyweight or wherever, he's ready to go."
Opetaia is considered one of the two best fighters in the 200lb weight class alongside David Benavidez, who remains Opetaia's "ultimate target." Following this bout, Opetaia would likely return to the cruiserweight division.
Wilder's most recent fight was a points victory over British contender Derek Chisora at The O2 in London in April. Before that, he lost to Joseph Parker. In an interview with the International Boxing Association (IBA), Wilder expressed interest in facing reigning WBA champion Murat Gassiev, noting that "There is some communication between me and Murat’s team for sure, and I would love that."
Wilder also addressed the possibility of fighting Oleksandr Usyk, suggesting that financial demands have been a barrier. "He wants too much money. That’s what I’m hearing," Wilder said.
Despite being 41, Wilder stated, "I feel like I’m 19" and expressed a desire to continue his career, even mentioning the thought of "Retiring at 50 as the champion." He stated his goal is to fight elite opposition to build a legacy, saying, "I want to fight the people who are supposed to be the best. When it’s all over, the money isn’t going to go with you when you die. The belts aren’t going to go with you either. But your legacy will live on forever."
Wilder commented on the state of the heavyweight division, stating, "Boxing is boring and dead again in the heavyweight division, for sure. I brought it back once, and I’m going to do it again. Mark my words."
He also expressed support for Daniel Dubois, stating, "I really like that kid. I like how he’s developing and where he is now. He’s still young and has a lot more room to develop. I could actually see him unifying. I really can."
This bout marks the first heavyweight appearance for Opetaia and serves as a significant step for Wilder as he seeks to return to the top of the division. The event is part of a major heavyweight card featuring the Fury vs. Joshua main event.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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