Deontay Wilder has reportedly accepted an offer to feature on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard, while also exploring a possible clash with WBA champion Murat Gassiev.
The ‘Bronze Bomber’ comes off a split decision victory over Derek Chisora, who he twice floored in their chaotic heavyweight encounter last April.
It was then widely reported that the American would face Oleksandr Usyk in his next outing, only for their proposed Zuffa Boxing headliner to suddenly be abandoned.
Instead, it would appear that Wilder is now linked to a showdown with former two-time world champion Jai Opetaia, who comes off a ninth-round stoppage of Noel Mikaelian last month.
This saw the Australian extend his unbeaten record and go face-to-face with cruiserweight rival David Benavidez, who he verbally agreed to collide with on Cinco de Mayo weekend in 2027.
Before then, though, Opetaia could move up to heavyweight and face former WBC champion Wilder, with their contest taking place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11.
According to veteran reporter Dan Rafael, the 40-year-old from Alabama has accepted his end of the deal but, equally, is considering a potential opportunity against WBA ‘regular’ champion Gassiev.
“Spoke to Deontay Wilder manager Shelly Finkel, who said they’ve accepted offer for Wilder to face Jai Opetaia in the [Fury-Joshua] co-feature [and] are awaiting word if it’s a go. They’ve also had talks about Wilder facing WBA titlist Murat Gassiev.”
News: Spoke to Deontay Wilder manager Shelly Finkel, who said they've accepted offer for Wilder to face Jai Opetaia (at heavyweight) in the #FuryJoshua co-feature & are awaiting word if it's a go. They've also had talks about Wilder facing WBA titlist Murat Gassiev. #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) October 9, 2026
With Fury and Joshua set to square off for the WBA ‘super’ title, Gassiev’s championship status has been somewhat undermined but, nevertheless, the Russian is considered to be one of the division’s top knockout artists.
