While many feel his career may come to an end on December 11, Deontay Wilder believes he could revisit a heavyweight rivalry in 2027.
The 40-year-old must first complete his assignment against Jai Opetaia, which will feature on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
At 200lbs, Opetaia became a two-time world champion by unanimously outpointing Mairis Briedis on both occasions, with the Australian now coming off a ninth-round stoppage of Noel Mikaelian in September.
As a result, many feel he is the world’s leading cruiserweight but, with David Benavidez holding two major titles, the hope is that they will collide for supremacy next year.
Until then, though, Opetaia must make a heavyweight excursion against former WBC champion Wilder, who comes off a split decision victory over fellow veteran Derek Chisora in April.
If he emerges victorious against Opetaia, the 40-year-old may then explore a potential showdown with Joshua, having previously been in talks with the Brit on several occasions.
But while insisting that he would love to face the 37-year-old, Wilder has told Playbook Boxing that the decision is ultimately out of his hands.
“I would love that fight, but it ain’t up to me. I think it’s partially up to Joshua, [but] not fully. Whoever manages him and runs the whole operation [is mostly responsible].
“I don’t even like talking about this situation with me and him, because I’ve had a lot of disappointments.”
Following several previous attempts, the two heavyweights were set to collide in 2024, only for Wilder to lose his 2023 encounter with Joseph Parker.
