Malik Scott backs Wilder knockout but warns against Opetaia’s early threat

Malik Scott has backed Deontay Wilder to knock out Jai Opetaia in Cardiff, but warned his former fighter cannot afford to start slowly or get trapped on the ropes.

Wilder faces the unbeaten Australian at the Principality Stadium on Friday 11 December, on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s fight with Anthony Joshua.

“Deontay by knockout,” Scott said in an interview streamed by DAZN, according to The Ring.

His prediction comes with a clear condition: Wilder must be alert from the opening bell.

Wilder vs Opetaia: Scott warns against a slow start

Scott knows Wilder as both an opponent and a former trainer. The American stopped him in the first round in March 2014 before they later worked together.

He believes Wilder’s power can decide the fight, but recognises the danger posed by Opetaia, describing him as a special cruiserweight whose punching threat lasts throughout a contest.

“Deontay has to come out switched on more than ever,” Scott said. “He can’t give Opetaia no shots, can’t be on the ropes against Opetaia early on.”

Scott believes Wilder can finish the fight if he stays alert and catches the Australian. His warning makes the opening exchanges an important part of his assessment, rather than treating Wilder’s power alone as enough.

Wilder faces an unbeaten challenger

Wilder, 41, has won his last two fights against Tyrrell Herndon and Derek Chisora after a difficult run of defeats.

He beat Chisora by split decision at London’s O2 Arena in April and enters the Opetaia fight with a record of 45-4-1, including 43 knockouts.

Opetaia, 31, moves up from cruiserweight unbeaten in 31 fights, with 24 stoppages. His most recent victory came against Noel Mikaelian, whom he stopped in the ninth round in September.

The Australian’s move gives Wilder a different challenge from the established heavyweights he has faced in recent years.

When is Wilder vs Opetaia?

The fight is scheduled for Friday 11 December in Cardiff, live on Netflix.

Our Fury vs Joshua fight page has the event details. Eddie Hearn has also raised concerns about the Cardiff undercard.

For more announcements and fight build-up, visit our boxing hub.