Wilder–Opetaia fight being explored for Fury–Joshua undercard

Deontay Wilder could face Jai Opetaia at heavyweight on the Tyson Fury–Anthony Joshua undercard in Cardiff on 11 December.

The Ring’s Mike Coppinger reports that the match-up is being explored, potentially bringing the former WBC heavyweight champion onto the same bill as his long-time rival Fury.

Neither fighter has been confirmed for the contest.

According to Coppinger’s report, reproduced by Sports Illustrated, the proposed fight would not affect a potential cruiserweight showdown between Opetaia and David Benavidez.

What would Wilder vs Opetaia mean?

The contest would take Opetaia up from cruiserweight to face one of the heavyweight division’s most recognisable names.

The unbeaten Australian stopped Noel Mikaelian in September and has been linked with a meeting against Benavidez, who is due to face Michal Cieslak on 5 December.

Wilder, meanwhile, has also been linked with Oleksandr Usyk, although reports now suggest those negotiations have broken down.

A place on the Cardiff bill would reunite Wilder and Fury at the same event following their three heavyweight title fights.

Their first meeting ended in a draw before Fury won both subsequent bouts by stoppage.

The proposed addition comes as attention builds around the December card, with Murat Gassiev also seeking clarity over his WBA title status.

For Opetaia and Wilder, however, the position remains that a fight is being discussed rather than formally announced.