Heavyweight veteran Dave Allen believes Deontay Wilder has got “something left”, and remains a formidable puncher, as he approaches an intriguing clash with Jai Opetaia.
The pair will square off at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11, with Opetaia making his heavyweight debut on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua.
At 200lbs, he has become a two-time world champion by unanimously outpointing Mairis Briedis on both occasions, only to be stripped of his IBF title earlier this year.
Yet still, many continue to regard the Australian as the world’s leading cruiserweight, while others consider unified champion David Benavidez to be the top dog.
Either way, the 31-year-old Opetaia brings no shortage of pedigree and talent as he attempts to defeat the 10-years-older Wilder next month.
Around six or seven years ago, this would have been considered close to a mismatch but, with Wilder coming off a scrappy split decision victory over Derek Chisora in April, many suspect the American is now firmly on the brink of retirement.
At the same time, though, British heavyweight Allen has taken to social media and suggested that the former WBC champion remains a dangerous puncher.
“It’s very interesting. I think Opetaia will probably be a favourite now; Wilder [is] obviously not the fighter he was, but the Chisora fight showed he’s definitely got something left.
“He can still punch, but Opetaia on points, I think, would be my pick.”
While Wilder scored two knockdowns against Chisora, many would have expected a prime version of the ‘Bronze Bomber’ to get his man out of there.
