Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’s upcoming heavyweight bout is set to dominate conversations in boxing circles until the two men make their ring walks on December 11. That focus also extends to potential fights on the undercard, which is coming together ahead of the event.
Among the rumors swirling ahead of the main event is the possibility of Deontay Wilder appearing on the undercard. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ and Fury were involved in a thrilling trilogy, but Wilder has not fought since beating Derek Chisora on points in April.
However, the American’s next challenge could be looming. Dana White has suggested that Wilder could be set to fight Jai Opetaia at the Principality Stadium before Joshua and Fury take to the ring.
Will Opetaia be able to make the step up to heavyweight?
White, who is Opetaia’s promoter, recently hinted that the Australian is willing to make the step up to heavyweight, and that Wilder is an opponent they have been working on. The 31-year-old typically fights at cruiserweight, but is undefeated with a record of 31-0.
While Opetaia is the younger fighter and possesses impressive hand speed, Wilder holds a significant reach advantage. An 18cm reach difference is the kind of edge that shows up long before the opening bell, and anyone using a Kalshi promo code in boxing markets will see that difference as a key factor.
On the flip side, there are questions about Wilder’s durability at 40 years old. Since his two losses to Tyson Fury, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has only fought five times, losing to Joseph Parker by unanimous decision and Zhilei Zhang by knockout. Opetaia has finished 24 of his 31 opponents and could test Wilder’s chin if he manages to close the distance effectively.
Fury and Joshua card to make British boxing history?
Should a bout between Opetaia and Wilder be confirmed, it would take place on a night that could prove to be record-breaking for British boxing. Tickets for Fury and Joshua’s card sold out within an hour of going on sale, with prices ranging from £88.50 to £13,128.
Around 80,000 tickets were available, with more than 500,000 people in the ticket queue. Commenting on the sales, Dana White said that the gate for the event could reach $34 million (£26 million). That would make the event the most lucrative boxing event in British history, although it would still fall short of the global record of $70 million, set by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Other fights have been rumored to be on the undercard alongside Wilder and Opetaia, including a potential return to the ring for Pacquiao. Eddie Hearn has suggested that one of Jack Catterall, Conah Walker, Lewis Crocker, or Joe Cordina could face the Filipino.
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