Wilder vs Opetaia: Eddie Hearn warns ‘there could be a problem’ with Cardiff fight

Eddie Hearn has cast fresh doubt over Wilder vs Opetaia. The Matchroom boss says he has been told there could be a problem with the fight, just four weeks before it is due to take place in Cardiff.

Deontay Wilder and Jai Opetaia are set to meet on the Fury vs Joshua card at the Principality Stadium on 11 December. It is the chief support bout on the biggest British boxing night in years.

Speaking to iFL TV, Hearn stressed he could be wrong.

“I might be wrong, but this is what I’ve been told, that there could be a problem with that fight,” he said.

What Hearn did and did not say about Wilder vs Opetaia

Hearn did not say what the problem might be. Days earlier, he had already added a caveat when praising the matchup, calling it a great fight “if it happens”.

Hearn’s comments do not amount to confirmation that the bout has been cancelled.

Why the fight matters

It would be a real blow if this one fell through. When Wilder vs Opetaia was confirmed, it gave the card a genuine second story.

Opetaia is a two-time world champion at cruiserweight and unbeaten at 31-0. He is stepping up to heavyweight for this one, while targeting a possible fight with David Benavidez in 2027, Boxing News reports.

Wilder is 41 and near the end of his career, but he still carries that famous right hand. He scored two knockdowns on the way to a split decision over Derek Chisora at the O2 in April.

Tyson Fury has already had his say on the matchup, calling Wilder “shot to bits” in comments last week.

Doubts over Bakole too

Hearn also questioned another heavyweight bout on the card. Martin Bakole is due to face Solomon Adebayo, and Hearn is not sure it will be cleared.

He said Adebayo had been knocked out in a round on an IBA show in July 2025, and that Bakole had not boxed for around 17 months. He also questioned whether the British Boxing Board of Control would approve the fight.

Separately, Boxxer boss Ben Shalom says Bakole is still under contract with him, and he has been weighing legal action.

Hearn’s wider criticism of the card

Hearn has separately criticised the undercard, arguing that Joe Cordina deserved a place. His latest remarks should be read in that context, but he has not identified the alleged problem with Wilder vs Opetaia.

Keep up with every update across the heavyweight division here.