Deontay Wilder may return to the ring in 2026 according to a recent report.
The former WBC heavyweight world champion was last in action in April when he beat Derek Chisora by split decision – just the second points win of his career, the other 43 victories coming by way of knockout.
The performance allowed the hard-hitting American to show a grit and desire that perhaps hadn’t been witnessed since his trilogy with Tyson Fury, and was particularly absent in losses to Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker, in which he looked tentative and gun-shy.
Despite being strongly linked with former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk as the Ukrainian’s final opponent before retirement, it appears that ‘The Bronze Bomber’ could now build on that Chisora win by facing Jai Opetaia on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua this December, as reported by Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger.
The Cardiff mega fight will be broadcast live on Netflix, and those behind the scenes are understood to be building a card that will attract a global audience. Manny Pacquiao, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Keyshawn Davis have all been named as potential additions.
Like Wilder, Opetaia has recently been linked with a major fight of his own. The two-time cruiserweight champion has made no secret of his desire to fight David Benavidez, who may have three of the four major belts if he beats Mikael Cieslak in December.
This fight would see the Aussie move up to heavyweight for the first time in his career – a jump he has always said will happen, but only after his work is done at 200lbs. With Wilder being a relatively light heavyweight – weighing in as low as 212lbs for his first fight against Fury – it may be a perfect introduction to the division for Opetaia, though he will be aware that the American can hit harder than most of his contemporaries.
