Australian cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is moving toward a high-profile heavyweight matchup against former world champion Deontay Wilder.
The bout is expected to feature on the undercard of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua's December 12 showdown in Cardiff, Wales.
Reports from news. com.
au and BoxingScene on October 10, 2026, said the fighters had agreed to terms.
However, the matchup has not been officially confirmed, and its place on the card remains subject to final arrangements.
Dana White, the Zuffa Boxing promoter, indicated that Opetaia was likely to appear on the undercard while acknowledging ongoing discussions about Wilder.
White discussed the potential matchup in comments to Sky Sports.
"Jai Opetaia is more than likely going to be on the undercard. [Wilder] is one that we've been talking about and working on."
Opetaia remains unbeaten at 31-0, with 24 victories by knockout, according to news. com.
au.
The Australian has established himself as a leading active boxer in his home country through his performances at cruiserweight, but a contest against Wilder would mark a move into the heavyweight division.
The proposed opponent brings substantial experience and knockout power.
Wilder, 40, has a professional record of 45-4-1 and defeated Derek Chisora by split decision in April 2026.
His three fights against Fury produced two losses and one draw.
The December 12 event will bring together Fury and Joshua for their first professional meeting after extended negotiations over whether the contest should take place in the United Kingdom or the United States.
According to news. com.
au, the main event will be broadcast on Netflix, and tickets sold out within minutes of going on sale on Friday, October 9.
For Opetaia, the proposed heavyweight assignment comes amid continued ambitions at cruiserweight.
He defeated Noel Mikaeljan in September 2026 and is pursuing a path toward becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion, with David Benavidez among the prominent potential opponents discussed in coverage of his career.
Opetaia first made a major international impression in 2022, when he defeated Mairis Briedis to win the IBF and The Ring cruiserweight titles.
Subsequent ambitions have included high-profile matchups against leading names in the division, including Gilberto Ramirez and Benavidez.
Benavidez has also been linked to a possible future meeting with Opetaia following their face-to-face encounter after the Australian's latest victory, according to BoxingScene's broader coverage.
A move into heavyweight competition against Wilder would introduce a separate challenge while Opetaia continues to pursue major cruiserweight opportunities.
